PROSPER OKOYE
The Child Protection Network (CPN) has expressed concern over the continued captivity of children abducted during separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, several days after the incidents occurred.
In a statement issued to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the National Coordinator of CPN, Olakunle Sanni, condemned the attacks and called for the immediate rescue of the victims.
The abductions took place on May 15, 2026, in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states.
In Oyo State, armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicated that between 39 and 46 pupils and teachers were kidnapped during the attack, while a mathematics teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed.
Some of the victims were said to be between the ages of two and 16.
Authorities later confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the incident, but the abducted children and teachers were yet to regain freedom as of the latest reports. The Oyo State Government also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming the victims had been rescued.
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram or ISWAP fighters reportedly stormed Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, near the Sambisa Forest, abducting scores of children from schools and nearby homes.
The attackers reportedly invaded Mussa Primary School, a junior secondary school, and surrounding residences in the early hours of the day.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, forcing many residents and children to flee into nearby bushes.
Estimates of the number of abducted children ranged from 42 to over 50, with reports indicating that several of the victims were below the age of 10.
No official confirmation had been given regarding the release of the children, while the Borno State Government said efforts were ongoing to secure their rescue.
Reacting to the incidents, Sanni described the attacks as a reflection of the growing insecurity facing children and schools across Nigeria.
“We are deeply alarmed by the recent abduction of school children in Oyo and Borno States, where innocent pupils and teachers were reportedly kidnapped by armed groups during attacks on schools,” he said.
“The attacks in Oyo and Borno, reportedly involving dozens of children, including pupils aged two and three, further demonstrate the devastating impact of terrorism and insecurity on education and child safety in Nigeria.”
The group called on the Federal Government, security agencies, state governments, schools, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations and communities to take urgent and coordinated steps to protect children and secure learning environments.
CPN demanded intensified rescue efforts for the abducted children and teachers, stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, increased security around schools, and improved psychosocial support for children affected by conflict and violence.
“No child should have to choose between education and safety. No parent should live in fear of sending their child to school,” Sanni added.
He also noted that many Nigerian children continued to face threats including kidnapping, terrorism, trafficking, sexual abuse, child labour, early marriage and lack of access to quality education due to insecurity and poverty.