You’re Not Forgotten, Tinubu Assures Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren
President Bola Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states that they have not been forgotten, pledging that his administration will intensify efforts to secure their safe return from captivity.
The President gave the assurance in a personally signed statement issued on May 27, 2026, as part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Day celebration amid growing concerns over attacks on schools in parts of the country.
Tinubu acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by affected families, especially as the Children’s Day celebration coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
“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,” he added.
The President assured grieving families that the Federal Government would continue working tirelessly until all abducted children and teachers are safely rescued and those responsible brought to justice.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. 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,” Tinubu said.
He disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations across the country, particularly in vulnerable communities and high-risk areas.
According to him, the Federal Government is also strengthening school protection measures through updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid response systems, and stronger community-based early warning mechanisms.
“I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas. This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems,” the President stated.
Tinubu noted that the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflects the nation’s responsibility toward protecting and empowering its younger generation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to education, healthcare, nutrition, security, and opportunities for a better future.
“My administration remains committed to a Nigeria where every child can learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity, and dream without fear,” he said.
The President further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, would deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to improve emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities.
He stressed that rescue efforts alone were not enough, noting that children rescued from abduction and violence must receive adequate medical care, counselling, education, and reintegration support.
Tinubu also called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, transport unions, local vigilantes, and the media to work closely with security agencies in protecting schools and preventing attacks.
“Protecting children cannot be left solely to the government. When communities share information quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he stated.
Recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states have heightened concerns over the safety of pupils and teachers across Nigeria.
In Oyo State, armed attackers reportedly invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, on May 15, 2026, abducting a principal, teachers, and dozens of pupils. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was later said to have been murdered by the kidnappers.
In Borno State, pupils were also reportedly abducted from schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area during a separate attack carried out by armed bandits.
The incidents have sparked renewed calls for stronger security around schools, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemning the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman.” The union warned that continued attacks on schools could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services due to growing fears for their safety.