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When Children Are Hunted In Classrooms, Silence Becomes Complicity’- CAN

Published

5 months ago

May 18, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight as a “barbaric” act and a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the country.

The association said the killing of innocent citizens, including the assistant headmaster who reportedly died while attempting to protect pupils, represents a tragic loss that must not be forgotten. It called for swift investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible.

CAN expressed outrage that attackers were able to storm multiple schools, terrorise communities, and abduct dozens of pupils and teachers, warning that the incident reflects a dangerous spread of organised criminal violence into previously safer regions.

The group also lamented the psychological trauma faced by families, describing the sight of helpless parents and terrified victims as a national disgrace that no society should accept.

According to the statement, Nigerians are growing weary of repeated condolences without concrete security action, adding that failure to dismantle kidnapping networks is normalising terror across the country.

CAN urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Oyo State government to take immediate and coordinated action to secure the release of all abducted victims and bring perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.

It stressed the need for stronger protection of schools, rural communities, and forest corridors, insisting that safe school initiatives must be fully implemented beyond paperwork and promises.

The association reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, praying for the safe return of the abducted victims and healing for those impacted by the attack.

CAN warned that continued inaction would only embolden criminal groups, stating that when children are hunted in classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous.

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DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development

Published

17 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Samania

The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.

Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.

He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.

He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.

Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.

He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.

Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.

He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.

Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.

He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.

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