Thirteen days after gunmen abducted scores of pupils and teachers from schools in Borno and Oyo states, the victims remain in captivity, deepening anxiety among families and communities as Nigerians marked Children’s Day amid renewed concerns over insecurity.
The incidents, which occurred on May 15, involved the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, and another 46 persons — including seven teachers and 39 students — from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Among those kidnapped in Oyo was a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, while one teacher was reportedly killed during the attack.
Despite assurances from government authorities and security agencies, families of the abducted children say there has been little sign of progress.
“We have heard promises, but our children are still missing,” Mohammed Sale, a parent of one of the abducted Borno pupils, said. “Only God can save them now.”
Another parent, identified simply as Sarah, said the silence from the abductors had worsened fears over the safety of the children, especially the toddlers.
“These children are between two and five years old. Some cannot even feed themselves properly. We do not know where they are or what condition they are in,” she said tearfully.
The prolonged captivity has also triggered fear within affected communities, with teachers saying many parents have stopped sending their children to school.
A teacher at the Borno school said the emotional toll on the community had been devastating.
“Whenever I see the empty classrooms, the trauma returns,” the teacher said.
In response to the attack, the Borno State Government ordered the immediate closure of the affected school and announced plans to relocate pupils to safer learning centres under the Safe Schools Initiative.
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, who visited the community alongside government officials and security personnel, assured parents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the children.
Governor Babagana Zulum, according to his spokesperson Dauda Iliya, has remained in constant contact with military and police authorities over rescue operations.
In Oyo State, concerns intensified after videos surfaced online showing abducted principal Rachael Alamu and a nursing mother pleading for help.
Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the kidnapped principal, appealed for restraint in public discussions surrounding the rescue efforts, warning that sensitive information could jeopardise ongoing operations.
“Serious work is being done behind the scenes,” he said during a radio interview. “Anything said now may affect the rescue mission.”
Chairman of Oriire Local Government Area, Alabi Olateju Michael, said security operatives had surrounded the abductors and expressed optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reportedly deployed special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State to strengthen rescue operations.
President Bola Tinubu, in his Children’s Day message on Wednesday, vowed that the federal government would not relent until all abducted children were safely returned to their families.
“To families grieving and despondent, your government will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely,” the president said.
He also directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations and strengthen protection around vulnerable schools across the country.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the continued abduction of schoolchildren as a national tragedy and called for urgent measures to secure schools and protect children from violence.
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, also criticised political leaders for celebrating Children’s Day while many Nigerian children remain trapped by insecurity, poverty and lack of access to education.
Security expert and retired Naval Commodore Kunle Olawunmi blamed worsening insecurity on poor governance, unemployment and weakening public confidence in state institutions.
He argued that beyond military deployments, Nigeria needed competent leadership and comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of kidnapping and violent crimes.
The continued captivity of the children has reignited national debate over school safety, with many Nigerians demanding urgent and decisive action to prevent further attacks on schools and communities.
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