In the wake of a disturbing viral video showing the abduction of three children in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Donatus Chukwuma Ilang, has issued a strong call for parents to prioritise the safety and welfare of their children during the long vacation.
Speaking during an interactive session with education stakeholders across the three senatorial zones of the state, Dr Ilang lamented the growing indifference among some parents towards the whereabouts and wellbeing of their wards, warning that such negligence comes with painful consequences.
“Children are God’s greatest gifts, and they deserve far more than just food and shelter,” he said. “They require close attention, discipline, and protection, especially in uncertain times like these. Teachers have done their part. It is your turn now to stand up and be responsible.”
Dr Ilang did not mince words in condemning the act of kidnapping, describing it as a crime against both God and humanity. He stressed that the safety of children is not merely the responsibility of teachers or government agencies, but a collective duty shared by every adult in the community.
He urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant and to deliberately monitor the movement of their children, their peers, and others in their environment. According to him, “Security is no longer a government-only affair. It is everybody’s business.”
“Rather than leaving children in the hands of strangers or underage minders, prepare them well and place them in safe hands. Do not allow convenience to become the cause of regret,” he added.
Dr Ilang extended his message beyond the household, calling on landlords, landladies, and housing agencies to improve data collection on tenants and to quickly report suspicious movement within their premises to relevant security authorities.
While issuing a stern warning to criminal elements operating in the state, he stated categorically that Ebonyi children are not commodities for sale, ritual, or exploitation. “Any person or group that targets the innocence of our children must prepare to meet the full weight of justice,” he warned.
He insisted that perpetrators of such acts will not escape retribution. “You may run, but you will not hide. Nemesis has a way of knocking when you least expect,” he said, his voice firm with resolve.
Dr Ilang also appealed to security agencies to intensify intelligence-based operations aimed at unmasking and arresting those behind the growing trend of child abductions. He said only a united front between citizens and security personnel can halt the scourge.
He praised the bravery of concerned individuals who helped expose the recent incident and encouraged more residents to speak up when they sense danger, assuring that anonymity and protection would be guaranteed for whistleblowers.
As the state prepares for a long holiday season, the Commissioner’s message rings loud: vigilance must replace complacency, and every home must become a fortress of protection for its youngest members. In his words, “Let no child be left unguarded. Their safety is our shared responsibility."
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