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Breaking News: Amnesty International Accuses Nigerian Govt Of Failing Pupils a8fter Terrorists Attacks
Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian government of horrifically failing children, expressing concern over a series of attacks targeting children across the country.
The lnternational human Rights group in a statement issued on Saturday, condemned the assaults, particularly the abductions of students in the north, highlighting the government’s inadequate efforts to protect the lives and safety of its youth.
“The Nigerian authorities are failing children, as over 230 children in the north are currently held captive by gunmen after being abducted during two mass attacks on schools, which have also disrupted the education of thousands due to the closure of hundreds of schools in Katsina, Plateau, and other states.Nigeria tourism guides
“The recent wave of brutal attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger States clearly indicates that Nigerian authorities have not learned from previous incidents where schoolchildren were killed by armed groups.
“Children in certain areas of northern Nigeria face constant threats of death or abduction. In 2021, over 780 children were kidnapped for ransom during mass attacks on schools or religious institutions, with some tragically losing their lives during these assaults,” stated Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.Nigeria tourism guides
“The future of thousands of schoolchildren in Northern Nigeria looks grim, as hundreds of schools in various states have been closed indefinitely due to escalating insecurity. Many children may completely abandon their education due to the psychological trauma of experiencing violent attacks or living in captivity,” Sanusi added.
The humanitarian organization reported that some teachers in Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger States have indicated that insecurity has significantly decreased school attendance since 2021, with children fearful of attending school even when compelled by their parents.
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“Underage girls are having their education cut short, as they are increasingly being married off in an attempt to protect them from potential abduction at schools.
“When educational institutions are targeted or attacked, the repercussions can be severe and long-lasting. Protecting children’s lives is crucial, and the Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to ensure that the educational sector is not further jeopardized by abductions, intimidation, and the killing of schoolchildren.Nigeria tourism guides
“There is a deliberate assault on children by armed groups. Using children as shields or bargaining chips is unacceptable and must come to an end. The Nigerian government must investigate these incidents,” the statement concluded.
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Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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