President Bola Tinubu has assured parents of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states that the victims will be rescued safely, urging affected families not to lose hope.
The President gave the assurance in a Children’s Day message released on Wednesday, following separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno on May 15.
Suspected terrorists had attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the Oyo State Police Command, two persons were killed during the attack while about 45 pupils, alongside teachers and a principal, were abducted.
In Borno State, insurgents reportedly stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area while classes were ongoing, abducting dozens of students.
Reacting to the incidents, Tinubu said the abducted children and their families had not been abandoned by the government.
“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.
“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.”
Tinubu assured grieving families that his administration would continue working until all abducted children are returned safely and those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
He disclosed that all relevant security agencies had been directed to intensify coordinated rescue operations nationwide, with a focus on intelligence-driven strategies and safe recovery missions.
The President also announced plans to strengthen security around schools in vulnerable communities through improved coordination among federal and state governments, security agencies and local communities.
According to him, the measures will include updated school vulnerability mapping, rapid response systems between schools and security units, as well as stronger community-based early warning mechanisms.
Tinubu further stated that rescued children would receive medical care, counselling, education support and reintegration assistance to help them recover from trauma.
He urged parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members to cooperate closely with security agencies in protecting schools and preventing future attacks.
“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” the President added.
