‘Every Morning We Pray’: Nigerian Parents Fear Fresh School Attacks
Hussaini Ibrahim 
(By Hussaini Ibrahim, Korede Abdullah, Oluwafunbi Bello, Oluwatobi Adu and Otamere Gladness)
ABUJA, Nigeria – Parents across Nigeria say fear now follows their children to school amid renewed attacks and kidnappings targeting pupils and teachers, with many families admitting they no longer feel safe each time school gates close behind their children.Recent abductions involving schools in Oyo State and attacks reported in parts of Borno have intensified nationwide anxiety, reigniting concerns over the safety of classrooms despite repeated government promises to secure schools.
In exclusive interviews conducted by Africa Health Report, (AHR) across Lagos, Abuja and Kano, parents described how insecurity is reshaping daily family life, affecting children emotionally, increasing financial burdens and forcing many households to adopt desperate safety measures just to keep children in school.
“I Wait for Her Call Every Break Time”
In Lagos, parents said ordinary school routines have become emotionally exhausting.
Outside a busy school corridor in Surulere, Mrs. Ruth Eze said her daughter’s fear has steadily grown after repeated reports of school kidnappings.
“She now asks me if kidnappers can enter her classroom,” Eze said quietly. “Some nights she wakes up crying after hearing news reports on television.”
Eze said she now insists her daughter carries a small mobile phone to school despite school restrictions.
“I wait for her call every break time just to know she is safe,” she added.
Another parent, Mrs. Adebimpe Olayinka, said fear now dominates her mornings.
“Every morning we pray before the children leave home,” she said. “You smile and encourage them, but deep down you are afraid until they return.”
Olayinka said insecurity has also increased transportation costs for many parents.
“Some of us no longer allow our children to use public transport,” she explained. “We contribute money with neighbours to hire private vehicles because we feel it is safer.”
Saheed Olusola, another Lagos resident, warned that no region should assume it is immune from attacks.
“People used to think these things only happened far away,” he said. “Now every parent is paying attention because insecurity is spreading.”
Children Are Becoming Too Afraid to Learn
In Abuja, several parents told AHR that constant fear is beginning to affect children’s academic performance and emotional stability.
Mrs. Esther Daniel, a businesswoman in Garki, said she struggles to concentrate at work after dropping her children at school.
“You keep checking your phone all day,” she said. “Any unknown number that calls you immediately brings fear.”
Daniel said some parents in her area have started creating informal safety groups to monitor school buses and movements around schools.
“We now share information among ourselves every morning and afternoon,” she explained. “Parents are doing what they can because everybody is worried.”
Joshua Emmanuel described attacks on schools as emotionally devastating for families.
“Children should associate school with learning and friendships, not fear,” he said. “Now some children panic whenever they see security officers or hear loud noises.”
Another Abuja resident, Kabiru Musa, said anxiety is already affecting classroom concentration.
“My son used to enjoy school activities,” he said. “Now he keeps asking whether security guards will protect them if bad people come.”
According to him, some parents have even considered withdrawing children from boarding schools due to security concerns.
Fear Spreads Across Kano Communities
In Kano State, residents of Gwarzo and Karaye local government areas said repeated attacks by suspected bandits operating near neighbouring Katsina communities have left many families constantly on edge.
Malam Bashir Musa said parents now track their children’s movements more carefully than before.
“Before now, children could stay behind after school for sports or lessons,” he said. “Today most parents want them back home immediately.”
He added that local traders and farmers are also feeling the economic effects of insecurity.
“When attacks happen near communities, markets close early and transportation becomes expensive,” he explained. “Families are struggling.”
Another resident, Alhaji Sani Lawan, said many parents have become emotionally drained by the uncertainty.
“The fear is affecting everybody,” he said. “Even when there is no attack, people are already afraid because of what they hear happening elsewhere.”
A trader in Gwarzo, Musa Adamu, said parents continue sending children to school because education remains their only hope for a better future.
“We are afraid, but we cannot stop our children from learning,” he said. “We just keep hoping they return home safely every day.”
A Crisis Beyond Security
Nigeria has witnessed repeated attacks on schools and mass abductions over the years, particularly in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Borno states, where armed groups have targeted pupils and disrupted academic activities.
Education experts warn that prolonged exposure to fear and violence can damage children’s emotional well-being, weaken concentration and reduce academic performance.
The United Nations Children’s Fund has repeatedly warned that attacks on schools not only interrupt learning but also discourage parents from keeping children in classrooms, increasing the risk of school dropouts.
Parents Demand Urgent Action
Parents interviewed by Africa Health Report called for stronger school protection measures, including surveillance cameras, perimeter fencing, trained guards, emergency response systems and regular security patrols.
“The government should not wait for another tragedy before acting,” Mrs. Olayinka said. “Every school should already have a proper safety plan.”
Security expert Opeyemi Oyerinde said many schools remain vulnerable because security measures are often reactive rather than preventive.
“Schools need access control systems, emergency communication channels and staff training on crisis response,” he said.
“Security is not just about having guards at the gate. It is about preparation, intelligence gathering and rapid response.”
He also urged authorities to strengthen implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative and improve intelligence monitoring around vulnerable communities.
For many parents across Nigeria, however, the issue goes beyond policy discussions.
It is about the fear they carry every morning when their children leave home.
“We send our children to school because we want them to have a future,” one parent said. “No parent should have to choose between education and safety.”
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
