Tinubu Assures Families of Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren of Rescue Efforts

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged parents of schoolchildren abducted in parts of Oyo State and Borno State to remain hopeful, assuring them that the victims will be rescued safely.

The president gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday to commemorate Children’s Day 2026, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Tinubu said the federal government would continue working until all abducted children are returned safely to their families and communities.

“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,” the president stated.

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

Abductions in Oyo and Borno

On May 15, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State said two people were killed during the attack, while about 45 schoolchildren, alongside a principal and several teachers, were reportedly abducted.

On the same day, suspected insurgents also attacked a school in Mussa village in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, abducting dozens of students during school hours.

Residents said the attackers stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School at about 9 a.m. while classes were ongoing.

Tinubu Orders Intensified Rescue Operations

President Tinubu said security agencies have been directed to intensify coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the release of abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.

According to him, the operations must remain intelligence-led and carefully executed to prioritise the safe recovery of victims.

“We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice,” he said.

The president also disclosed that his administration has ordered stronger protection measures for schools located in high-risk areas.

He explained that the measures would include improved coordination between governments, security agencies and local communities, updated school vulnerability mapping, rapid response systems, and strengthened community-based early warning mechanisms.

Tinubu further stated that children rescued from abduction and violence would receive proper care, counselling, medical support and reintegration assistance from the government.

He also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community members to work closely with security agencies to prevent future attacks on schools and protect children across the country.