OYO, BORNO KIDNAPPINGS: SCHOOLCHILDREN HELD IN FOREST FOR 54 DAYS AMID HEAVY RAINFALL

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Growing concerns have emerged over the wellbeing of dozens of schoolchildren, many of them minors, who were abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno states on May 15, 2026.

The victims have now spent 54 days in captivity, enduring harsh conditions in the forest as heavy rainfall continues across parts of the country.

Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to the cold and poor living conditions could expose the children to life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, hypothermia and other serious infections if they are not rescued soon.

Oyo abduction

The MEDIA recalls that armed terrorists stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

A few days after the attack, the kidnappers released a disturbing video showing the execution of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun.

There were also reports alleging that one of the kidnapped pupils had died in captivity, but the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim as false.

Security sources later indicated that the victims were being held inside the Old Oyo National Park, where security operatives have intensified rescue efforts.

The terrorists, who reportedly use routes leading into neighbouring Kwara State to evade arrest, are said to have been surrounded as security agencies continue a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing all the abductees alive.

Speaking with the press on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Olushola, expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.

When asked whether there was hope of an imminent rescue, he replied: “Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”

Borno abduction

In Borno State, suspected members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils.

Residents said the heavily armed insurgents invaded the community, firing sporadically before taking away about 50 schoolchildren into the forest.

Although some of the abducted pupils have reportedly been rescued, many are believed to still be in captivity.

When contacted, Borno State Commissioner of Police, Naziru D. Abdulmajid, referred the press to the command’s spokesperson.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, explained that the rescue operation is currently under the control of the military through Operation HADIN KAI.

“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI. I have not received any update from them.

“I have not been informed of any additional rescue, but once I get verified information, I will reach out,” he said.

However, the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, disclosed in a statement issued over the weekend that six of the abducted pupils had been rescued.

Doctor warns of health risks

A paediatrician, Dr. Hope Adejor, warned that the prolonged stay in the forest could have severe health consequences for the children.

“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults, yet children as young as four and five years old are out there in the bush without proper shelter.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine what they are going through. Continuous exposure to cold weakens the immune system, and children’s lungs are especially vulnerable.

“Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses are serious threats. Some of the children may not survive if the situation continues.

“Even after they are rescued, they may suffer long-term health complications. Apart from malaria and hypothermia, they are also at risk of leptospirosis, dengue fever and several other diseases.

“We can only continue to pray that they are protected and returned safely,” she said.

Army assures rescue efforts progressing

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu gave the assurance during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

He expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would culminate in the safe rescue of all the victims and their reunion with their families.