President Bola Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and Borno State that they have not been forgotten, pledging that his administration will intensify efforts to secure their safe return from captivity.
The President gave the assurance in a personally signed statement dated May 27, 2026, to commemorate Children’s Day, amid growing concern over recent attacks on schools in parts of the country.
Tinubu, in his Children’s Day message, acknowledged the anguish of affected families, especially as the celebration coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals. Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’
“To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” the President said.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools, and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice,” he added.
The President disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.
According to him, the operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed, and focused on the safe recovery of victims.
“I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas. This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that the theme for this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” speaks directly to the nation’s conscience and responsibility toward its younger population.
“On this Children’s Day, I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is excelling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade. I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing forward with courage. I celebrate the child who has lost much but has not lost hope.
“Today belongs to you. It is a day to celebrate your innocence, your strength, your creativity, your aspirations, and the immeasurable value you bring to our nation. You are the pride of our Republic, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, and the living reminder that we can shape the future of Nigeria by the opportunities we create for our children today,” Tinubu stated.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, would deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure better emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities.
