Streets and schools are no longer safe; digital spaces have become platforms for exploitation,” says SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria.
As Nigeria observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has raised urgent concerns about the rising insecurity and targeted abductions of girls and vulnerable children.
The organisation warns that streets, schools, and even digital spaces are no longer safe. Physical violence, abductions, and online exploitation are escalating into a national emergency.
A statement by the National Director SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria Eghosa Erhumwunse, says over the past decade, more than 1,680 children have been abducted nationwide, with recent incidents pushing the number close to 2,500. Children without parental care are particularly at risk, facing higher threats of violence and neglect.
“Nearly 69 million Nigerians suffer online harm, with 58 percent targeting women and girls, including cyberbullying, identity theft, exploitation, and non-consensual content. Nigeria now ranks as the fifth-highest cybercrime hotspot globally”.
SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria emphasises that digital violence is real violence, and abduction is not isolated but reflects systemic failures in child protection.
Children without parental care are especially vulnerable, facing compounded risks offline and online.
SOS Calls for Urgent National Action:
- Full enforcement of the Child Rights Law, Violence Against Persons Act, and Alternative Care Guidelines in every state.
- Official recognition of digital violence in national security and gender-based violence reporting.
- Schools secured as safe spaces for learning.
- Regulation and accountability for online platforms to protect children.
- Protection for survivors and prosecution of perpetrators.
The organisation urges governments, law enforcement, legislators, technology companies, community leaders, and citizens to prioritize the safety of women and children, prosecute offenders, close legal gaps, and ensure digital and physical safety.
SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria stressed 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, as well as dream safely.
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