Children’s Day Marred by School Abductions as Tinubu, Makinde Push for Rescue

Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria on Wednesday were overshadowed by growing concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno, with President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, religious leaders and education stakeholders renewing calls for the safe return of the victims.

At least 82 pupils were reportedly abducted between May 13 and May 15 during separate attacks on schools in both states.

In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.

Another 40 pupils were abducted in Oyo State on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Oyo attacks also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative during rescue efforts.

Tinubu Assures Families of Rescue Efforts

In a statement marking Children’s Day, which coincided with Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, President Tinubu assured families that the abducted children and teachers had not been abandoned.

The president said some children who should have been celebrating with their families were instead being held captive by criminals.

“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” Tinubu said.

Speaking “as a father and your President,” he added, “To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”

Tinubu stated that security agencies had been directed to intensify coordinated intelligence-led rescue operations while stronger protection measures were being introduced for schools in vulnerable communities.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education would deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework alongside state governments to improve emergency response systems in schools.

The president also promised counselling, medical care, education support and reintegration assistance for children rescued from captivity.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde assured residents of Oyo State that his administration was working around the clock to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Speaking during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations at his residence in Ibadan, the governor expressed sympathy with affected families and prayed for the safe return of the victims.

“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working around the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” Makinde said.

Religious Groups, Teachers Raise Alarm

Several organisations and stakeholders also expressed concern over the worsening security situation around schools.

Christian Association of Nigeria described the attacks as deeply troubling, warning that insecurity around schools threatens the country’s future.

The association said no child should experience violence in a place meant for learning and protection.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers also warned that schools in volatile areas could face shutdowns if urgent security measures are not implemented.

National President of the union, Audu Amba, said kidnappers were increasingly targeting educational institutions, describing the trend as unacceptable.

He disclosed that schools in insecure parts of Oyo State had already been directed to shut down pending improved security arrangements.

Similarly, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools condemned the attacks, calling them heartbreaking and unacceptable in a civilised society.

The association urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations while calling for stronger school protection measures nationwide.

Muslim faithful at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan also offered special prayers for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, as the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, prayed for peace and improved security across the country.