Children’s Day celebrations across the country on Wednesday were overshadowed by growing concerns over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other stakeholders renewing calls for their safe return.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in the two 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.
In Oyo, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.
In a personal statement to mark Children’s Day, which coincided with Eid-el-Kabir, Tinubu assured that the abducted children and teachers had not been abandoned.
The President lamented that some children who should have been celebrating with their families were instead being held by criminals.
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Tinubu stated on Wednesday, “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.
“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 your President,” Tinubu added, “To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.
“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 had directed security agencies to sustain coordinated intelligence-led rescue operations and ordered stronger protection measures for schools in vulnerable communities.
“The Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, is to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines.
