President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House
Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria were drowned in fear, tears and outrage on Wednesday as the abduction of scores of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states cast a dark shadow over what should have been a day of joy for millions of children.
At least 82 schoolchildren were seized between May 13 and 15 in coordinated attacks that have reignited national anxiety over the safety of schools and the growing audacity of kidnappers targeting innocent pupils.
The attacks triggered emotional reactions from President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, religious leaders, lawmakers, teachers, parents and civil society groups, all demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were reportedly kidnapped after armed groups stormed schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas between May 13 and 14.
Barely a day later, gunmen struck again in Oyo State, abducting 40 pupils during simultaneous attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo attack turned deadly after a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative were killed during rescue attempts.
Tinubu: “Our Children Are Not Forgotten”
In a solemn Children’s Day message that coincided with Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, President Tinubu lamented that while children across the world celebrated, many Nigerian pupils were trapped in captivity.
“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 said.
“Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer — bring our children home.”
Speaking “as a father and President,” Tinubu assured grieving families that the government had not abandoned them.
“To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” he declared.
The President disclosed that security agencies had been directed to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations while vulnerable schools across the country would receive stronger protection under an expanded Safe Schools framework.
Tinubu also promised rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration support for rescued children.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he added.
Makinde Breaks Silence
Governor Seyi Makinde also addressed the worsening tension in Oyo State, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted children.
Speaking during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, the governor admitted that the situation had thrown many families into despair.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” Makinde said.
“So, I also use this opportunity to say to those who are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.”
Special prayers were also offered for the victims at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan, where the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, led worshippers in prayers for peace and the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Senate, CAN, Teachers Raise Alarm
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described the abductions as “a crime against humanity,” warning that the country must not normalise the kidnapping of children.
“We must remember all our children and parents still held in captivity by rogue elements,” he said.
Bamidele vowed that the National Assembly would push for tougher anti-kidnapping laws with severe punishment for perpetrators.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers also sounded the alarm, revealing that schools in insecure parts of Oyo State had already been directed to shut down pending improved security.
National President of the union, Audu Amba, warned that kidnappers had now shifted focus directly to schools.
“The bandits and kidnappers are now focusing on our educational institutions,” he lamented.
“If measures are not taken and such incidents happen again anywhere, there is going to be a total shutdown of our schools.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria described the attacks as “deeply troubling,” warning that no nation could secure its future while children were too afraid to attend school.
“No child should have to experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope,” CAN stated.
Parents, School Owners Demand Action
Parents, educators and private school proprietors also condemned the attacks, accusing authorities of failing to adequately protect schools despite repeated warnings.
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria urged the Federal Government to urgently strengthen the Safe School Project and improve security around vulnerable schools.
Its National President, Haruna Danjuma, called for the relocation of schools in remote communities to safer urban centres.
“Our concern is the safety of children and teachers. These incidents are not what we expected to happen,” he said.
Similarly, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools described the attacks as “heartbreaking and unacceptable in a civilised society.”
“Schools are sacred centres of learning and national development. Any attack on educational institutions is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” the association declared.
“Children Should Not Learn in Fear”
A children’s rights organisation, Amazing Grace Children Rights Foundation, warned that repeated attacks on schools were creating deep psychological trauma among pupils nationwide.
Founder of the group, Grace Adeyemi, accused the government of failing to act decisively.
“The government should not wait until the children of elites are kidnapped before securing all schools,” she said emotionally.
Education advocate and National Coordinator of Concerned Parents Educators, Kemi Koleowo, described the situation as “disgusting, traumatic and nauseating.”
“These children are the most vulnerable in society. What message are we passing to the next generation? That schools are no longer safe?” she asked.
As Nigerians marked Children’s Day with celebrations, speeches and festivities, the fate of dozens of missing schoolchildren remained unknown — a grim reminder that for many families, the nightmare of insecurity has become far more real than the joy of celebration.
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2026-05-25