A coalition of women’s rights and civil society organisations, known as Womanifesto Nigeria, has condemned the abduction of girls and women in Nigeria, demanding the immediate rescue of victims still in captivity.
Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Chairperson of Womanifesto Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
She described the repeated attacks on schools, communities and travellers as a worsening national security crisis that disproportionately affects women, girls and children.
“Nigerian children belong in schools, safe homes and secure communities, not in forests, kidnappers’ hideouts or bandits’ camps,” she said.
“No child deserves to grow up surrounded by fear, violence and captivity when they should be learning, dreaming and living safely with their families.”
Akiyode-Afolabi noted that worsening insecurity has traumatised many families, while several women, girls and children remain missing or trapped in the custody of criminal groups without justice or accountability.
“Across the country, families are living in fear and uncertainty as women and girls continue to disappear into the hands of bandits, kidnappers and organised criminal networks,” she said.
She cited recent attacks in Borno and Oyo States where dozens of children were reportedly abducted from schools and communities.
The coalition also expressed concern over rising incidents in parts of South-West Nigeria, where women travelling, farming or living in rural communities are allegedly kidnapped for ransom.
“Women should not have to choose between feeding their families and risking abduction on farms, highways or within their own communities,” she said.
Akiyode-Afolabi referenced reports from Ekiti State where several women, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, were abducted earlier this year. She also highlighted similar incidents in Kwara State.
“More than 170 residents, mostly women and children, were reportedly kidnapped from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area and other parts of the state,” she said.
“The repeated incidents reflect systemic failures in security response, protection mechanisms and law enforcement across the country. Delayed rescue efforts expose victims, especially women and girls, to sexual violence, physical abuse, trauma and exploitation while in captivity.”
She warned against the gradual normalisation of abductions, noting that many communities are adjusting to fear instead of receiving adequate protection from authorities.
Akiyode-Afolabi called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and strengthen security around schools, highways and vulnerable communities.
She demanded transparent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators and accountability for recurring security lapses.
The coalition further advocated psychosocial support, medical care and reintegration assistance for survivors of abduction and violence.
She urged authorities to adopt gender-responsive security strategies that recognise the unique risks faced by women and girls.
“Nigeria cannot continue to lose women and children to violence while citizens receive repeated assurances without concrete and sustainable action,” she said.
