The African Women Lawyers Association, Nigeria (AWLAN), Enugu State branch, has intensified calls for urgent national intervention following the continued captivity of 49 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Council of Oyo State, who are reportedly being held within the Old Oyo National Park.

The association warned that the promise of education and sanitation would lose meaning where the safety of lives cannot be guaranteed.

It stressed that no right can be fully exercised in the absence of security, particularly for children in learning environments.

The AWLAN, Enugu State chapter, in a statement jointly signed by its State Coordinator, Chidi Grace Obeke; Secretary, Sylvia Abana; Treasurer, Georgina Emeribe; the National Executive, Dr Nnenna Anozie, and the ex-officio, Nma Ogbonna, and made available to journalists on Tuesday to mark the “International Day of the African Child,” also used the occasion to examine systemic weaknesses spanning education infrastructure, water and sanitation access, domestic child welfare, and national protection mechanisms.

AWLAN, therefore, urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to immediately intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing the situation as a stark test of the state’s responsibility to safeguard children within and around educational spaces.

It, however, warned that continued delays in response risk further eroding public confidence in national security systems.

The association, while anchoring its advocacy on the continental theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for Every Child in Africa,” combined media outreach with direct community engagement.

The campaign commenced with a live programme on Voice of Light FM, before extending into physical visits to selected schools in Enugu State.

In its message, AWLAN also called on religious leaders to extend their influence beyond spiritual guidance into active child protection roles within their communities, urging faith institutions to help identify abuse cases and support community-based safeguarding systems.

AWLAN, however, reaffirmed its commitment to sustained legal advocacy and public enlightenment, insisting that every child must be guaranteed access to protection, dignity, and basic social services, regardless of background or circumstance.