Concerns are mounting over the welfare of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno states on May 15, 2026.
The victims, who were kidnapped in simultaneous attacks across the two states, have now spent at least 54 days in captivity, enduring harsh conditions in the forest amid persistent heavy rainfall.
Health experts have warned that if the abducted children are not rescued within the next few days, they could develop serious health complications, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life threatening illnesses due to prolonged exposure to the harsh weather.
Oyo Abduction
Terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
Days after the abduction, the terrorists released a disturbing video showing the gruesome beheading of one of the teachers identified as Mr. Michael Oyedokun.
There were later reports claiming that one of the abducted pupils had also died in captivity.
However, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim, insisting it was false.
As security operations continue, reports indicate that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The terrorists, who reportedly have escape routes into neighbouring Kwara State, are said to have been surrounded by security operatives carrying out a special operation aimed at rescuing the victims alive.
Speaking on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola, assured that the pupils and teachers would be rescued soon.
Responding to questions on whether there was hope of securing the victims’ release, the police spokesperson said, “Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt”.
Borno Abduction
Suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting dozens of pupils.
According to local residents, the heavily armed insurgents stormed the community, firing sporadically before whisking away about 50 schoolchildren.
Although reports suggest that some of the abducted pupils have since been rescued, many others are believed to remain in captivity in the forest.
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru D. Abdulmajid, referred enquiries to the command’s spokesperson.
Responding, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the military had taken over the operation.
“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”, he said.
Meanwhile, a statement issued over the weekend by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, confirmed that six of the abducted students had been rescued.
Pediatrician Warns of Serious Health Risks
A pediatrician, Dr Hope Adejor, warned that the prolonged exposure of the children to harsh weather conditions could result in severe health complications.
“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.
“It breaks my heart to imagine their condition. 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”, she said.
Army Assures Rescue Efforts Are Progressing
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress toward rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Shaibu gave the assurance during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt 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 confidence that the operation would result in the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
