Children’s Day: Activist Raises Alarm Over Rising Threats to Children
Child protection advocate and Founder of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation (SaffronSDGF), Opeyemi Ebulu-Eyuruntari, has raised concerns over the worsening safety of children in Nigeria, citing rising cases of kidnappings, violence, abuse and insecurity.
In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Ebulu-Eyuruntari said many Nigerian children now face fear, exploitation and trauma instead of the protection and opportunities they deserve.
“Being a child in Nigeria is increasingly risky,” she said, pointing to recent school kidnappings, attacks on educational institutions, abductions from care facilities, and growing incidents of violence and displacement affecting children.
She described the trend as a clear indication of weak child protection systems and called for urgent action by government and stakeholders to strengthen safeguarding measures nationwide.
According to her, Children’s Day celebrations should go beyond ceremonies and focus on practical interventions, including stronger child protection policies, safer schools and communities, increased funding for child welfare services, and effective enforcement of child-focused laws.
Ebulu-Eyuruntari also advocated the establishment of multi-agency safeguarding structures, community-based protection initiatives and trauma-informed support systems for vulnerable children.
She urged policymakers, schools, faith-based organisations, parents and development partners to work together to create a safer environment for children.
The SaffronSDGF founder reiterated her organisation’s commitment to advancing child protection through its Safeguarding the Nigerian Child initiative, stressing that “every child counts, every child matters and every child deserves protection.”
