By Fatima Saka
In commemoration of the 2026 Children’s Day in Nigeria, growing insecurity and rising cases of child abductions took centre stage as orphans and vulnerable children in Abuja issued an emotional appeal to government authorities, demanding urgent action to secure their future and rescue kidnapped children across the country.
Ten-year-old Daniel Ben, speaking during a Children’s Day celebration at Facado Children’s Home in Abuja on Saturday, called on authorities to rescue children abducted in the Ogbomoso bush in Oyo State.
He also appealed for a peaceful environment where children can thrive, expressing his aspiration for the future. “I want to become a Civil Engineer. I want to live in a good society… I want this country to have peace,” he said, his voice reflecting both hope and fear.
Although Nigeria marks Children’s Day annually on May 27, the event held at the orphanage drew attention to the deepening concerns around child safety nawtionwide.
The programme, organised by the Fatherless Motherless Children Aid Organisation (FACADO), featured a national prayer session for the safe return of kidnapped children and teachers, alongside renewed calls for stronger child protection policies, with the theme: “Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
In her welcome address, the Founder and Director of FACADO, Mrs. Ngozi Grace Anih George, described insecurity as a “thief of dreams” depriving children of safety, education, and joy. She lamented that many children across Nigeria, particularly orphans, are increasingly exposed to violence, displacement, and fear.
“From communities torn apart by violence to schools attacked and abandoned, our children are losing not only their innocence but also their fundamental rights,” she said. “When insecurity adds to the burden of children who have already lost their parents, they become vulnerable, voiceless, and at risk of being forgotten.”
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing shelter, education, and mentorship, while stressing the need for collective responsibility.
“We cannot do it alone. Government, civil society, religious institutions, and individuals must work together to build a Nigeria where every child can thrive without fear,” she added.
Emphasising the theme of inclusion, she said every child deserves to be part of national development regardless of status or disability. “Every child counts. Whether orphaned, vulnerable, or living with disability, every child must be included in policies and opportunities. No child should be left behind,” she said, also referencing recent abductions in Ogbomoso.
Other children at the home also expressed their concerns. Fifteen-year-old King David, speaking alongside toddler Chika Ben, appealed for stronger government intervention to support orphans and rescue kidnapped victims.
“I want the government to help fatherless and motherless children… build homes for those in need and support them,” he said, while also calling on wealthy Nigerians to support the less privileged and complement government efforts.
Highlighting daily struggles, another child, Favor Ben, expressed fear over worsening insecurity in the country.
“We are scared to go to school because we don’t know what will become of us. We are begging the government to take the safety of children seriously,” she said.
Favor also disclosed the strain on resources at the orphanage, noting that feeding more than 40 children has become increasingly difficult. “We eat three times a day, but feeding is really challenging. A bag of rice finishes within two weeks,” she explained, adding that the home urgently needs a bus for transportation.
A beneficiary of the foundation, Mrs. Magdalene Martins Achanyi, a widow, expressed gratitude for the organisation’s support, particularly in assisting with her daughter’s education and welfare. She called on government to support such initiatives to reach more vulnerable families.
“They are doing a good job reaching out to the poor and widows. Government should assist them so they can help more people like us,” she said.
Also speaking, Pastor Moses Yusuf, who recounted his encounter with the orphanage through a sick child he once assisted, praised the founder for her dedication and inclusiveness.
“She is a wonderful, God-fearing woman with the interest of Nigeria at heart. She cares for children irrespective of religious background,” he said.
On insecurity, Yusuf described it as a critical national challenge requiring urgent attention. “No matter what government provides, it is only the living that can benefit from it. Security must be prioritised above all else,” he stressed.
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The Children’s Day celebration ended with prayers for national peace and stability, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, as participants called for a violence-free society where every child can dream and succeed.
The Celebration also featured dancing, games, riddles and others activities.
Distinct News Nigeria reports that the event underscored a growing consensus: without urgent action on insecurity, the future of Nigeria’s children remains increasingly at risk.
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