SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria Sounds Alarm on Rising Abductions

By Julian Osamoto

As Nigeria observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has raised urgent concerns over the escalating insecurity and targeted abductions of girls and vulnerable children.

The organisation warns that streets, schools, and even digital spaces are no longer safe. Physical attacks, abductions, and online exploitation are intensifying into what it calls a national emergency.

In a statement, National Director Eghosa Erhumwunse revealed that over the past decade, more than 1,680 children have been abducted nationwide, with recent incidents pushing the total close to 2,500. Children without parental care are particularly at risk, facing higher threats of violence, neglect, and exploitation.

Digital abuse is compounding the crisis. SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria notes that nearly 69 million Nigerians experience online harm, with 58 percent targeting women and girls, including cyberbullying, identity theft, exploitation, and non-consensual content. Nigeria ranks as the fifth-highest cybercrime hotspot globally.

“Digital violence is real violence, and abduction is not isolated, it reflects systemic failures in child protection. Children without parental care face compounded risks offline and online,” the organisation said.

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria is calling for immediate national action:

• Enforce the Child Rights Law, Violence Against Persons Act, and Alternative Care Guidelines in all states.
• Officially recognize digital violence in national security and gender-based violence reporting.
• Secure schools as safe learning environments.
• Regulate online platforms and hold them accountable for protecting children.
• Protect survivors and prosecute perpetrators.

The organisation urges governments, law enforcement, legislators, technology companies, community leaders, and citizens to prioritize the safety of women and children, close legal gaps, prosecute offenders, and ensure both physical and digital protection.

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria stresses that this is not just a children’s issue or a gender issue—it is a national security and development crisis. The organisation pledges to advocate, protect, and work tirelessly until every child can live, learn, and dream safely.