Children’s Day celebrations across Nigeria on Wednesday were marked by concerns over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, as President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders renewed calls for their safe return.
No fewer than 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 in 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.
Similarly, 40 pupils were abducted in Oyo State 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.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.
In his Children’s Day message, which coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu assured Nigerians 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 captive by criminals.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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 said the victims and their families had not been forgotten.
“To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” he stated.
The President said the Federal Government would continue working until the abducted children were safely returned and those responsible brought to justice.
Tinubu disclosed that he had directed security agencies to sustain intelligence-led rescue operations and strengthen protection for schools in vulnerable communities.
He also directed the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework.
“Every school in a vulnerable area must know whom to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified,” he added.
The President further promised support for children rescued from captivity, including counselling, medical attention, education and reintegration assistance.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde assured residents and families of the abducted pupils that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.
The governor spoke in Ibadan while receiving the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working around the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” Makinde said.
He also urged Nigerians not to allow political differences to divide the country as the nation moves closer to another election season.
“At the end of the day, governments will come and go, but the country remains. Whoever emerges as leaders, we must continue to work together in the interest of our state and nation,” he added.
At the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan, Muslim faithful offered prayers for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, led special prayers for peace and improved security across the country.
In Abuja, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele condemned the activities of kidnappers and violent criminals, particularly those targeting children.
Bamidele described the continued detention of the abducted pupils and teachers as a violation of the rights of children.
“We must remember all our children and parents that are still held in captivity by rogue elements in different parts of the federation,” he said.
He pledged that the National Assembly would continue pushing for stronger laws against kidnapping and related crimes.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers also expressed concern over what it described as increasing attacks on schools.
The National President of the union, Audu Amba, warned that schools in volatile areas could face closure if urgent security measures were not introduced.
“The bandits and kidnappers are now focusing on our educational institutions, especially the school system,” Amba said.
He disclosed that the union had directed schools in insecure parts of Oyo State to shut down pending improved security arrangements.
Amba warned that another attack on schools anywhere in the country could lead to a nationwide closure of schools.
The Christian Association of Nigeria also raised concerns over worsening insecurity and the vulnerability of schoolchildren.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the attacks on schools in Oyo State as disturbing.
“No child should experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope,” the statement read.
CAN said attacks on schools threatened the future of the country and deepened fears among parents, teachers and pupils.
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria also called on the Federal Government and state authorities to strengthen the Safe School Project and improve security around schools.
Its National President, Haruna Danjuma, said teachers and pupils could no longer feel safe in vulnerable rural schools.
He urged governments to relocate schools in unsafe rural communities to more secure urban areas and improve emergency response training for teachers and students.
Also, a non-governmental organisation, Amazing Grace Children Rights Foundation, called for the immediate release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In a statement by its founder, Grace Adeyemi, the organisation said repeated attacks on schools were creating fear among children, parents and teachers while discouraging learning in affected communities.