The Child Protection Network (CPN) has raised concern over the continued captivity of children abducted during separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, several days after the incidents.
In a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, National Coordinator of CPN, Olakunle Sanni, condemned the attacks and called for urgent action to secure the release of the victims.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, in separate attacks on schools in both states.
In Oyo State, armed men reportedly invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicated that between 39 and 46 pupils and teachers were kidnapped during the attack, while a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed.
Some of the abducted children were said to be between the ages of two and 16.
Although authorities later confirmed the arrest of three suspects but the abducted victims were yet to regain freedom.
The Oyo State Government also dismissed social media claims suggesting that the victims had been rescued.
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram or ISWAP fighters reportedly stormed Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area near the Sambisa Forest, abducting scores of children from schools and nearby homes.
The attackers reportedly invaded Mussa Primary School, a junior secondary school and surrounding residences early in the day.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, forcing residents and children to flee into nearby bushes.
Between 42 and 50 children were said to have been abducted while several of them are below the age of 10.
No official confirmation had been made regarding the release of the children.
Borno State Government said efforts were ongoing to secure their rescue.
Growing insecurity
Sanni described the attacks as a disturbing reflection of the growing insecurity threatening children and schools across Nigeria.
“We are deeply alarmed by the recent abduction of school children in Oyo and Borno States.
“Innocent pupils and teachers were reportedly kidnapped by armed groups during attacks on schools,” he said.
“Attacks in Oyo and Borno demonstrate the devastating impact of terrorism and insecurity on education and child safety in Nigeria.”
The group called on the Federal Government, security agencies, state governments, schools, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations and communities to take urgent and coordinated steps to protect children and secure learning environments.
CPN also demanded intensified rescue efforts for the abducted children and teachers.
It recommended stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved security around schools and better psychosocial support for affected children.
“No child should have to choose between education and safety. No parent should live in fear of sending their child to school,” Sanni added.
He regretted that many Nigerian children continue to face threats such as kidnapping, terrorism and trafficking.
Other threats include: sexual abuse, child labour, early marriage and limited access to quality education due to insecurity and poverty.
