Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has told Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to bring back schoolchildren and others kidnapped by bandits across the country. He made this statement on Friday while speaking at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The governor used the event to show support for victims of insecurity and called for prayers for those hurt in recent attacks and kidnappings. He said, “Let me use this occasion to ask us to remember and pray today for all those who have lost their lives and all those who have fallen victim to banditry across our country. Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with you, especially those affected by the incident in Ogbomoso days ago. Be assured that our President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, is working assiduously to ensure that he brings all these children back home safely to their families.”
Abiodun’s comments come as public worry grows over a series of attacks on schools and communities in Oyo and Borno states. These attacks have led to the abduction of pupils, teachers, and other residents. On May 15, armed bandits invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, Oyo State, kidnapping pupils and teachers and killing one teacher during the raid.
At Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, gunmen took the principal, several teachers, and dozens of pupils. One teacher was shot dead, and reports later said another abducted teacher was killed by the kidnappers. The attack sparked protests in Ogbomoso, where teachers stopped classes and marched peacefully to the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, demanding urgent action to free those still held.
In a separate incident the same day, suspected bandits reportedly abducted pupils from Mussa Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. These attacks have renewed fears about school safety, especially in northern Nigeria, where educational institutions have been repeatedly targeted by insurgents and criminal groups over the years.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers called the attacks “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services. The union said the attacks have created fear, panic, and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents, and affected communities.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks and assured Nigerians that security agencies are stepping up efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. In his Children’s Day message, he specifically addressed the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, telling them they have not been forgotten. He pledged to intensify efforts for their safe return and said he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and strengthen coordinated rescue operations.
The President also said the Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, would deepen the Safe Schools framework to improve emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities. He stressed that schools in high-risk areas must have clear emergency response plans and direct communication lines with security agencies. Tinubu further backed the idea of state police, urging the National Assembly to speed up legislative action on the proposal to strengthen security nationwide.
