Why kidnappers are raiding schools, and how to respond — NAPTAN boss

By Adesina Wahab

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, has warned that kidnappers and other criminal groups are targeting schools because these institutions are perceived as vulnerable.

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Speaking to Vanguard Learning, Ogunbanjo emphasized that comprehensive measures are required to secure schools and prevent terror from gaining a foothold.

“Terrorists and kidnappers focus on schools because they are vulnerable and often lack protection. These criminals exploit our emotions, knowing that abducting schoolchildren will attract sustained attention,” he said. “The Chibok girls and the Dapchi students remain in the public consciousness, and calls for their release persist even years later. They target soft spots that will give them the maximum publicity they crave.”

“Their goal is to spread fear, cause panic, and potentially shut down schools. They reject Western education and want everyone to suffer the same fate. As a people and a nation, we must not succumb,” he added.

Ogunbanjo proposed fencing all schools and staffing entry and exit points with armed personnel. “The Safe Schools Initiative must be pursued vigorously. Officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), police, and other security forces should be deployed in schools. It is not enough to have a gatekeeper; armed guards are necessary.”

He noted that while many urban schools are fenced, the primary reason is to deter land encroachment rather than security. Rural schools, often located on village outskirts, remain largely unfenced and thus more exposed.

He also called for serious attention to state police forces, expressing satisfaction with the National Assembly’s expedited action. “State police should be approved and begin operations without delay,” he said.

Regarding the recent abduction of pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Ogunbanjo expressed sorrow that victims have spent over a month in captivity. “It is tragic that even two‑year‑olds have been held in the forest for more than a month. Those responsible show no humanity. I remain hopeful they will soon regain their freedom,” he said, urging the public not to let evil prevail.

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