A renowned pharmacist and Director of Springfield Private School (SPS) and Bosede Idehen International Academy (BIIA), Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor, has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the increasing cases of kidnapping involving school children.
Speaking with Titansloaded on Monday, Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor described the situation as heartbreaking and alarming, urging both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to set aside political differences and work together to ensure the safe return of children currently being held captive by kidnappers and bandits.
According to her, the activities of criminal elements across the country have reached a dangerous level, with innocent children becoming targets of abduction and extortion.
“The government must take swift and decisive action. What we are witnessing today is no longer a minor security challenge. These criminals have taken kidnapping to another level by targeting children and demanding outrageous ransom payments from ordinary families,” she said.
Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor questioned how struggling parents are expected to raise the huge sums being demanded by kidnappers, noting that many of the victims come from average homes and have no means of meeting such financial demands.
She lamented that kidnapping and banditry have gradually become recurring headlines in newspapers and major discussions on national television, creating fear and uncertainty among citizens.
“It is frightening that reports of kidnapping have become part of our daily news cycle. Every day, we hear about another abduction somewhere in the country. No community seems completely safe anymore, and that should worry every Nigerian,” she stated.
The education administrator further spoke from the perspective of a school owner, explaining that she fully understands the emotional pain and psychological trauma that parents, teachers, and students experience whenever children become victims of insecurity.
“As a school proprietor, I understand the fears that parents carry every day. I understand the sleepless nights and emotional trauma that families go through when a child is missing. Teachers also feel the pain because these children are part of our educational family,” she said.
Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor emphasized that the growing insecurity requires urgent intelligence-driven responses from security agencies, warning that criminal groups appear to be turning kidnapping into a thriving enterprise.
She noted that the persistence of these crimes suggests that the perpetrators have become increasingly bold and organized, making it necessary for authorities to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community policing efforts.
“The situation requires urgent attention. These criminals have practically turned kidnapping into a business, and it appears they are not ready to stop unless stronger measures are put in place,” she added.
The school director also called on parents to become more vigilant regarding the movements and safety of their children. She revealed that she has already directed the management team of SPS and BIIA to implement additional safety measures within the schools.
According to her, ensuring the safety of students should not be left solely to security personnel but must involve teachers, administrators, and parents working together.
“I have instructed our management team to take every necessary precaution. Security is everyone’s responsibility. Teachers and school administrators must maintain close communication with parents and ensure proper monitoring of students, especially after school hours,” she explained.
Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor described the current period as a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, urging citizens and government authorities to unite in confronting the growing security crisis.
She expressed particular sadness that despite the recent Children’s Day celebrations, some Nigerian children remain in captivity with bandits and kidnappers.
“It breaks my heart that while many children celebrated Children’s Day with joy, some are still in the hands of criminals. Every child deserves safety, love, and protection. The government must find lasting solutions, rescue these children, and restore peace and sanity to our communities,” she concluded.
The respected pharmacist called for collective action from government agencies, security operatives, schools, parents, and community leaders to ensure that Nigeria becomes a safer place for children and future generations.
