Children’s Day: Act now for abducted, vulnerable children, Bishop Badejo urges

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo has called on Nigerians to move beyond celebration and take urgent action for children facing abduction, trafficking, abuse, and deprivation.

Badejo made the remark on Wednesday in an interview in Ibadan in commemoration of Children’s Day.

Children’s Day is celebrated nationwide on May 27 annually with the 2026 theme as “Child Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

The bishop said the day should be marked with prayer, sacrifice, fasting, weeping and concrete action for vulnerable children nationwide.

He lamented that many Nigerian children could not celebrate due to violence, exploitation, neglect and unfortunate State which they found themselves in.

“Please, pray, fast, weep, fight and act today for all children who are abducted, trafficked, abused and deprived,” Badejo urged.

The Catholic Bishop described their situation as a national emergency that demanded immediate response from all sectors of society.

Badejo specifically demanded the release and protection of the abducted Ogbomosho children and their teachers.

Gunmen on May 15, invaded the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The unknown gunmen attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, LA School Esinele and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele where an assistant Head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed.

“Government and governed, we are all responsible. Do something; free these Ogbomosho children and their teachers; God help us,” he said.

He emphasised that the authorities and government at all levels should strengthen security and create safe spaces for every citizen and every child to learn and grow.

Badejo also urged parents to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety and welfare of their children at home and in schools.

Religious leaders, the bishop added, should use their moral authority to preach the truth, advocate for justice and support victims of abuse.

He called on stakeholders, civil society, and communities to collaborate on policies that promote inclusion and protect children’s rights.

The bishop further opined that Nigeria’s future depended on how it treated its most vulnerable children today.

Badejo prayed for divine intervention and sustained commitment to secure a safe future for every Nigerian child.

“Our government, Christians and Muslims should quickly produce “the sacrificial rams” needed to rescue our children from the hands of kidnappers, hunger and deprivation.

“Like Isaac in the Bible was rescued with a ram from the knife of death, at “Ileya”, rescue all Nigerian children from the present tragedy they are living through during this Muslim festival too.

“That is the only way the celebrations will make sense,” Badejo stressed.

(NAN)