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Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
By: Michael Mike
Fresh concerns over the safety of schoolchildren in Nigeria have emerged following allegations of violence and bullying at Igbinedion Education Centre, prompting strong condemnation from ActionAid Nigeria, which warned of a deepening crisis in the country’s child protection system.
The organisation described the incident as a serious breach of children’s rights, saying it exposes widespread institutional weaknesses that allow abuse to persist within school environments.
Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the case reflects more than isolated misconduct, pointing instead to systemic failures in monitoring, reporting, and accountability across the education sector.
He stressed that every child is entitled to protection from violence, in line with provisions of the Child Rights Act, warning that when abuse goes undetected or unresolved, it signals a breakdown in the duty of care expected from schools and relevant authorities.
According to him, the incident highlights the inability of existing safeguarding systems to identify early warning signs or prevent escalation, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in schools.
ActionAid noted that the situation at the school is only a reflection of a broader, largely hidden problem of bullying and school-related gender-based violence across Nigeria. It said many cases remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and the absence of trusted channels for victims to seek help.
The organisation also expressed concern over the circulation of videos linked to the incident, reportedly shared by students, describing it as evidence of failing internal reporting systems and a growing reliance on social media as a last resort for exposing abuse.
It criticised what it called a reactive approach to child protection, where authorities often respond only after incidents gain public attention, rather than through proactive monitoring and enforcement.
Calling for urgent reforms, ActionAid urged the Federal Ministry of Education and other regulatory bodies, including the Universal Basic Education Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, to strengthen implementation of safeguarding policies and establish effective reporting and tracking systems across schools.
The group also called on schools to introduce confidential reporting mechanisms, enforce strict disciplinary measures, and provide continuous training for staff on child protection, conflict management, and trauma-informed care.
Law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, were urged to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of offenders, while parents were encouraged to support their children in speaking out against abuse.
ActionAid warned that unless urgent and coordinated steps are taken, cases of school-based violence could continue to escalate, putting the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian children at serious risk.
Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling domestic animals.
The sources disclosed that upon receiving the distress the troops swiftly mobilised and blocked routes leading to the bandits’ camp in Zamori forest.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, overpowering them and forcing their retreat toward the Niger Republic border.
They added that all 27 rustled animals were successfully recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.
The sources further confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel during the operation.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the area, with continuous patrols to prevent further incursions.
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
By Zagazola Makama
A 14-year-old boy, Musa Umar, has died following a violent altercation with a neighbour in Jama’are village via Fika in Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 at about 10:00 p.m. when Musa engaged in a fight with another minor, Adamu Yusuf, 12, during which he was struck on the head with a stick.
The sources disclosed that the injured boy was initially rushed to Gadaka General Hospital for treatment before being referred to Fika General Hospital due to the severity of his condition.
According to the sources, Musa died on the way to the referral hospital and was later certified dead by a medical doctor.
They added that the body was documented and released to the family for burial following necessary procedures.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Teenager Dies After Fight with Neighbour in Yobe Community
Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
By Zagazola Makama
Fresh intelligence emerging from insurgent enclaves in Borno State suggests an escalation of deadly clashes between Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with both factions locked in violent confrontations deep inside the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
At about 8:43 p.m. on April 30, a conversation reportedly took place between a suspected Boko Haram fighter identified as Ba Musa, believed to be operating within the Sambisa axis of Bama Local Government Area, and an associate known as Ya Kazalla.
Though Kazalla’s exact location remains unknown, the exchange offered a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics and narratives shaping the conflict between the rival extremist groups.
During the discussion, Kazalla reportedly sought clarity on recent clashes, expressing concern over circulating reports that ISWAP fighters had recorded significant victories against Boko Haram. The concern reflects the fluid and often opaque nature of insurgent propaganda, where both factions frequently project strength to boost morale and recruitment.
In response, Musa was said to have pushed back strongly against such claims, asserting that Boko Haram had, in fact, inflicted heavy losses on ISWAP.
He allegedly claimed that Boko Haram fighters killed about 100 ISWAP members during a confrontation on April 29 within the Sambisa Forest.
The narrative did not end there. Musa further claimed that an additional seven ISWAP fighters were killed in another clash around a forested area in Molai, located in Konduga Local Government Area.
According to him, Boko Haram’s own losses were minimal, with only one fighter identified as Munzir, said to be of Gamargu origin killed in the series of encounters.
While these claims remain unverified, they point to the intensity of the rivalry between the two groups, which has evolved into a parallel conflict alongside their broader insurgency against state forces.
Zagazola note that such internal clashes, though difficult to independently confirm exactly figures, often result in significant casualties and disruptions to command structures on both sides.
The Sambisa Forest and adjoining corridors as well as the lake chad have long served as strategic strongholds for insurgent factions, making them focal points for both inter-group conflict and sustained military operations.
The latest reports suggest that despite ongoing counterterrorism pressure, the insurgents continue to maintain active communication networks and operational capabilities within these enclaves.
The infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP is increasingly seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, a challenge due to the unpredictability it introduces, and an opportunity as it may weaken the overall cohesion of insurgent forces in the region.
Boko Haram, ISWAP Battle for Dominance in Sambisa Forest” as deadly clashes intensify
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Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
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