Concern is mounting over the fate of scores of schoolchildren abducted during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states after spending 54 days in captivity, as security agencies intensified efforts to secure their release amid worsening weather conditions.
The victims, kidnapped in coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, remain in forest hideouts despite ongoing military and police operations, raising fears over their health and safety as heavy rainfall continues across the affected areas.
In Oyo State, terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
Days after the attack, the gunmen released a disturbing video showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun. Reports later emerged that one of the abducted pupils had also died in captivity, although the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim as false.
Security sources said the victims are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park, where troops and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations to rescue them alive. The terrorists are also said to have escape routes leading into neighbouring Kwara State.
Speaking on the rescue efforts, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, SP Olayinka Olushola, expressed optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
Asked whether there was hope of an imminent rescue, he replied: “Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”
A similar tragedy unfolded in Borno State, where suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stormed Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting about 50 pupils after firing sporadically to disperse residents.
Although some of the children have since been rescued, many others are still believed to be in captivity.
Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the rescue operation was being coordinated by the military. “For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK and I have not gotten any update from them yet. I have not been informed if there was any rescue but if I get clear information, I will reach out to you.”
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, confirmed at the weekend that six additional abducted students had been rescued, describing it as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing operation.
Health experts have also warned that the prolonged captivity, coupled with exposure to continuous rainfall and harsh forest conditions, could leave the children vulnerable to serious illnesses.
Pediatrician, Dr. Hope Adejor, said the victims face increasing risks of pneumonia, malaria, hypothermia and other life-threatening diseases if they remain in captivity. “The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as 4 and 5 are out there in the bush, with no shelter.”
“Days of exposure to cold can weaken their immune system, and children’s lungs are especially vulnerable. Pneumonia and other respiratory and cold-related illnesses are not things to gamble with. Some of them may not survive it. Even if they are rescued, as we all pray, their lives may never be the same, From malaria to hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other diseases the risks are many. Let us keep faith alive and pray that God shields them from every illness they are now exposed to.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making substantial progress in the rescue operation in Oyo State.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence that the abducted pupils and teachers would soon be reunited with their families. “Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
