CPN Decries Continued Captivity of Abducted Schoolchildren in Oyo, Borno

|By Prosper Okoye

The Child Protection Network (CPN) has expressed concern over the continued captivity of children abducted during separate attacks on schools in Oyo State and Borno State, several days after the incidents.

In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, National Coordinator of the organisation, Olakunle Sanni, condemned the attacks and called for urgent action to secure the release of the victims.

“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,” Sanni said.

The abductions reportedly occurred on May 15, 2026, during separate attacks in both states.

In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area (LGA). The affected schools were 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 abducted, while a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the incident. Some of the victims were said to be between the ages of two and 16.

Although authorities later confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the attack, the abducted children and teachers had not regained freedom as of the latest reports. The Oyo State Government also dismissed social media reports claiming the victims had been rescued.

In Borno State, suspected members of Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province reportedly invaded Mussa community in Askira-Uba LGA near the Sambisa Forest, abducting scores of children from schools and surrounding homes.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed Mussa Primary School, a junior secondary school, and nearby residences in the early hours, arriving on motorcycles and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Estimates of the abducted children ranged from 42 to more than 50, with several reportedly below the age of 10. Authorities in Borno State said efforts were ongoing to secure their rescue, but no official confirmation had been given regarding their release.

Reacting to the incidents, Sanni described the attacks as a reflection of worsening insecurity affecting children and educational institutions across the country.

“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,” he stated.

The organisation called on the Federal Government (FG), security agencies, state governments, schools, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, and local communities to take coordinated measures to strengthen child protection and secure learning environments.

The group also demanded intensified rescue operations, stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved security around schools, and expanded psychosocial support for children affected by violence and conflict.

“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 further noted that many Nigerian children continue to face threats ranging from kidnapping and terrorism to trafficking, sexual abuse, child labour, early marriage, and limited access to education due to insecurity and poverty.