13 days after, abducted pupils in Borno, Oyo still in captivity

Thirteen days after the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Borno and Oyo states, the victims are still in captivity with no contact from the abductors. 

This newspaper reports that the incidents occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, when Boko Haram insurgents invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno state, abducting 42 pupils, including toddlers.

On the same day, armed men also kidnapped 46 persons — seven teachers and 39 students — from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state.

A two-year-old toddler, identified as Christianah Akanbi, was among those taken in the Oyo attack, which also left a teacher dead. The twin incidents triggered nationwide outrage, coming at a time Nigeria marked Children’s Day.

“We have had no information about them” — Parents cry out

In Borno, distressed parents said they had received no communication from the abductors since the incident.

“In fact, nobody has contacted us, and since the day our children were taken away, we have had no information about them. I am particularly worried about the toddlers,” a mother, identified simply as Sarah, said.

She added that the absence of information had worsened emotional trauma among families.

“The toddlers are between two and five years old and can barely feed themselves. We do not know their condition or anything about their health status,” she said.

Another parent, Mohammed Sale, said families had been left in despair.

“The worst has already happened, and we don’t have any power except the power of God. He is the only one who can save our little children,” he said.

A teacher at the school, who asked not to be named, said the tragedy had deeply affected the community.

“At some point, I stopped going to the school because whenever I saw the empty classrooms, the pain and trauma returned,” she said.

Schools shut, safety measures introduced

Following the attack, the Borno State Government ordered the closure of the affected school and directed that pupils be relocated to safer learning centres under the Safe Schools Initiative.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the move was part of efforts to respond to the abduction and improve safety.

He assured parents that government was working with security agencies to secure the release of the children.

“We are working with security operatives to ensure the safe return of the children,” officials said during engagements with affected communities.

Governor Babagana Zulum’s office also confirmed that security coordination efforts were ongoing with military and police authorities.

Parents, community leaders demand urgent action

Despite government assurances, community stakeholders said progress had not been visible.

“The worst has already happened… we don’t have any power except God,” one parent reiterated, reflecting widespread frustration in the community.

The President of Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, accused authorities of not doing enough.

“Since this incident happened, there has been no tangible response from the state and federal governments,” he said.

He added that while some people had raised concerns about ransom payment, alternatives should be considered if rescue operations were not working.

Oyo residents, officials say security operations ongoing

In Oyo State, residents said fear had gripped communities since the attack, with some vigilante efforts proving insufficient against the armed groups.

“We were told by security agencies that their weapons are similar to those used by Boko Haram. We also learnt that the schoolchildren were crying and pleading to be rescued,” a vigilante member said.

However, Alabi Olateju Michael, the Chairman of Oriire Local Government Area said security forces had made progress in tracking the abductors.

“They have been on the ground since Friday, and the criminals have been surrounded. We are hopeful the victims will soon regain their freedom,” he said.

He also admitted that some security personnel sustained casualties during early confrontations.

Presidency, governors vow rescue efforts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Children’s Day message, vowed that the government would not relent until all abducted children are rescued.

“To families grieving and despondent, your government 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.

He added that rescue operations had been directed to remain intelligence-led and focused on safe recovery of victims.

Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents that efforts were ongoing.

“We are working round the clock to ensure the abducted children are reunited with their families,” he said.

Security experts, CAN warn of deepening crisis

Security experts have blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity on governance failures and unemployment, warning that military action alone may not solve the crisis.

“This country deserves a better government,” retired Naval Commodore Kunle Olawunmi said, adding that poverty and weak leadership were fuelling insecurity.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged government to prioritise protection of schools.

“No child should experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope,” CAN said.

The association warned that repeated school attacks were eroding public confidence in the education system.

Ezekwesili condemns leadership over abductions

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, also criticised political leaders over the growing wave of kidnappings affecting children.

She said it was hypocritical to celebrate Children’s Day while thousands of children remained victims of abduction and insecurity across the country.

“You are wishing ‘Happy Children’s Day’ to at least 1,799 students seized in a dozen of the largest abductions since Chibok,” she wrote on X.

Families still waiting for answers

As the 13-day mark passes, families of the abducted pupils in both Borno and Oyo continue to wait anxiously for news, with many saying they have been left in uncertainty and psychological trauma.

For now, despite military deployments, government assurances, and community efforts, the children remain missing, and hope for their safe return continues to thin with each passing day.