Diaspora Nigerians protest in Canada over abducted pupils, teachers + Video

Nigerians in Canada have explained the reasons behind their recent protest in Toronto, saying they were compelled to act over the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly the abduction of pupils and teachers.

The demonstration, organised under the banner of ‘Bring Back Our Children’, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of victims and seeking international support for efforts to secure their release.

Speaking during the rally, the Initiator and Coordinator of Bring Back Our Children, Otunba Kemi Agbeke Olanrewaju, said the protesters were concerned about the growing insecurity across the country.

According to her, the protest was also intended to seek the support of the Canadian government in addressing the crisis.

Olanrewaju said: “We are here regarding our children being kidnapped. 

“The children have been kidnapped by the bandits since over two weeks ago. 

“And this is not the first time they’ve been kidnapping people in Nigeria.

“They’ve kidnapped people around the world, around the cities. Borno, South West, East, Eastern parts, Northern parts. They’ve been kidnapping people.”

Describing the latest incidents as particularly disturbing, she said the victims included very young children.

She said: “But this one is very, very terrible.

“They’ve kidnapped two years, starting from the range of two years old to 14 years old.

“Our children went to school; they never come back. Imagine, children are not safe in Nigeria.

“We are calling on the government of Nigeria to please come to our aid.

“We are tired, enough is enough.”

Olanrewaju added: “Nigeria is bleeding right now.

“They should please set our children free.

“The teachers have been kidnapped, together with the children.

“One has been beheaded, imagine.

“One child has been killed in the den of the kidnappers. We are calling on the Canadian government to please support us.”

She appealed for urgent intervention to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“Please, please, rescue our children and teachers in the hands of the kidnappers.

“Bring back our children, now and alive. It’s about the failure of our nation, Nigeria.

“We will not be silent. We will not look away. 

“We will continue to speak, organise, and advocate until our children are returned and meaningful action is taken,” she said.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Canadian Association, Toyin Adebola, said members of the Nigerian community in Canada were deeply troubled by the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.