As the world commemorates International Human Rights Day and brings the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to a close, a powerful call for accountability has emerged from the Media & Teens Network.
The organisation, through Ms. Lillian Okenwa, its Executive Director, is urging the Federal Government to confront—decisively, transparently, and without political hesitation—the deepening cycle of human rights abuses, insecurity, and mass violations that continue to threaten millions across the country.
The Network says Nigeria, once again, finds itself gripped by trauma. It gives its reading of the situation:
In Kebbi State, the nation was stunned by the abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga—an attack in which the school’s Vice Principal was killed. Even before the shock could settle, another tragedy unfolded in Niger State: 315 schoolchildren were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papri community on November 21.
The youngest child is just six years old.
Although 100 of the Papri children were released this week, the fate of 165 others—including school staff—remains unknown. Three parents have already died of heart attacks triggered by the ordeal. While about 50 children escaped earlier, hundreds are still missing, plunging families into anguish too deep for words.
Across the country, a haunting question echoes: When will the remaining 165 children come home?
A Tale of Double Standards?
Public anger intensified after reports surfaced that Nigeria’s military executed rapid precision airstrikes in Benin Republic to help foil an attempted coup—completing a tightly coordinated 30-minute mission that blocked escape routes and subdued hostile elements.
This has sparked a wave of public scrutiny and painful comparisons.
If Nigeria can deploy missiles, speed, and surgical coordination to defend another nation’s democracy, citizens are asking:
Why has the same resolve not been used to rescue Nigerian children or dismantle the terror enclaves within Nigerian borders?
Millions are demanding answers.
Seven Women Shot Dead in Adamawa
Tension escalated further on December 8 when soldiers escorting the 23 Brigade Commander allegedly opened fire on peaceful women protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State.
Twelve women were shot.
Seven died instantly.
Five are battling for their lives at Numan General Hospital.
The women had reportedly gathered in protest after attackers—believed to be Chobo-speaking militia—raided multiple communities and escaped unchallenged. The protesters accused security operatives of arriving only after the militants had withdrawn.
“They were angry, frustrated, tired of burying their own,” a community elder said. “They were demanding answers. Instead, what they got were bullets.”
Though the Nigerian Army denies responsibility and blames local militias, the killings of unarmed women, children, and civilians have become devastatingly routine across the country.
Media & Teens Network says this must stop.
A Nation at Breaking Point: What Media & Teens Network Demands
The organisation is urging the Federal Government to take immediate action. Its demands include:
• Swift and coordinated rescue operations for the remaining abducted schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States.
• Independent investigations into the Adamawa killings, with findings made public.
• Transparent review of military engagement protocols, especially on civilian protection.
• Decisive counterterrorism missions at home—matching the precision seen in foreign interventions.
• Stronger protection measures for schools and vulnerable communities, in line with Safe Schools Declaration commitments.
• A national accountability framework for security agencies involved in rights violations.
• Renewed political will to end gender-based violence, mass abductions, and impunity.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads.
Citizens cannot continue to live—and die—under the weight of unchecked violence, kidnapping epidemics, military excesses, and systemic failure.
The message from Media & Teens Network is unmistakable: Enough is enough. Bring back our kids. Secure our schools. Protect our communities.
