Nigeria Grapples with School Abduction Crisis, Child Marriage Challenges: A Look at Progress and Persistent Issues

The abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State has understandably sparked outrage. Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim rightly calls for their immediate release, emphasizing the attack on Nigerian children’s future. Sadly, this isn’t a new narrative. We’ve seen these cycles of violence targeting education before, and the impact goes beyond just these girls; it erodes trust and keeps families in fear.

During the 7th National Children’s Parliament, the unveiling of “The State of the Nigerian Girl Child Report II (2025)” offers a mixed bag. Progress on child marriage is definitely worth highlighting. Seeing the numbers dip from 44% to 28.6% sounds like real movement. Yet, UNICEF data reveals a troubling reality: Nigeria still harbors nearly 25 million child brides. That’s staggering. The regional disparities – Bauchi, Jigawa, Zamfara – those figures demand focused intervention.

It’s encouraging that the government is developing a “Costed National Action Plan to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriage.” A fully funded and accountable plan is essential, but execution will be the real test. Similarly, the launch of the National Guideline on Alternative Care for Children and the Boy-Child Policy hints at a broader, more inclusive strategy. That’s crucial; vulnerability isn’t gender-specific.

Save the Children International acknowledges progress in reducing child marriage. That said, simply celebrating the decline isn’t enough. Sustained investment in girls’ education and rights is paramount. We need to ask: are these programs reaching the most vulnerable populations? Are they culturally sensitive? And are we truly empowering girls to make their own choices?

The situation is complex. While progress is made, deep-rooted inequalities persist. The Kebbi abduction and high child marriage rates in certain states remind us of the urgent work that remains. Actions must now match words. This is a challenge that requires consistent focus.

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