Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is committed to securing the safe return of schoolchildren and other victims abducted by bandits across the country.
Speaking at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode on Friday, Abiodun expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and called on Nigerians to pray for those affected by recent attacks and kidnappings.
The governor said the President was working relentlessly to ensure that abducted children are reunited with their families.
“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 the length and breadth of our country,” Abiodun said.
“Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you, particularly those affected by the incident that happened days ago in Ogbomoso.
“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,” he added.
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened concern over recent attacks on schools and communities in Oyo and Borno states that resulted in the abduction of pupils, teachers and other residents.
On May 15, armed bandits attacked communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers while killing a teacher during the assault.
At Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, the attackers reportedly kidnapped the school principal, several teachers and dozens of pupils. One teacher was killed during the attack, while reports later indicated that another abducted teacher was murdered by the kidnappers.
The incident sparked protests in Ogbomoso, with teachers suspending academic activities and marching to the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office to demand urgent intervention and the release of those still in captivity.
In a separate attack on the same day, suspected bandits abducted pupils from Mussa Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incidents have renewed concerns over the security of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where educational institutions have frequently been targeted by insurgents and criminal groups.
Reacting to the attacks, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the incidents as barbaric and inhuman, warning that continued attacks on schools could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services.
The union said the assaults had created fear, anxiety and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his Children’s Day message, the President assured the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states that they had not been forgotten, pledging that his administration would sustain coordinated rescue operations until they are safely returned.
Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, would strengthen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework to improve emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities.
According to the President, schools in high-risk areas must establish clear emergency response protocols and maintain direct communication channels with security agencies.
He further reiterated his support for the creation of state police and urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislative action on the proposal as part of broader efforts to improve security across the country.
