Governor Dapo Abiodun has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working relentlessly to secure the release of schoolchildren and other victims abducted by bandits in recent attacks across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode on Friday, Abiodun expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and urged Nigerians to pray for those affected by bandit attacks and kidnappings nationwide.
According to Channels Television, the Ogun governor specifically referenced the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, assuring affected families that the Federal Government was making every effort to bring the victims home safely.
“Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you, particularly those affected by the incident that happened days ago in Ogbomoso,” Abiodun said. He added that Tinubu was “working assiduously” to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.
The governor’s comments come amid heightened concerns over attacks on schools in both Oyo and Borno states.
School Attack Sparks Concern
On May 15, armed bandits reportedly invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, abducting pupils and teachers and killing a teacher.
At Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, gunmen kidnapped a principal, several teachers and dozens of pupils. One teacher was killed during the attack, while reports later indicated that another abducted teacher was also murdered by the kidnappers.
The incident triggered protests in Ogbomoso, where teachers suspended classes and staged a peaceful march to the office of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, demanding urgent action to secure the release of those still in captivity.
On the same day, suspected bandits also abducted pupils from schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, further raising concerns about the safety of educational institutions.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers condemned the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman”, warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers to withdraw their services nationwide. The union said the incidents had created fear and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and communities.
Tinubu Reassures Victims
In his Children’s Day message, Tinubu addressed the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, assuring them that they had not been forgotten.
The President said security agencies had been directed to intensify rescue operations and bring those responsible to justice. He also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments would strengthen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to improve emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities.
Tinubu further reiterated his support for state police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate legislative action on the proposal as part of broader efforts to improve security across the country.
