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.
Reports indicate that the victims, 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.
Due to the harsh weather condition, 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.
Oyo abduction:
Online Newspaper recalls that 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 that it was false.
Following the ongoing operation by security operatives, it was reported that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The terrorists, who have their escape routes into neighbouring states like Kwara, were said to have been besieged by security operatives while a special operation is being carried out to ensure that the victims are rescued alive.
Police react
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola assured that the pupils and teachers will be rescued soon.
Asked if there is any hope of seeing the victims released soon, the PPRO simply 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, Report indicates that many others remain in captivity in the forest.
However, the Borno State PPRO, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth said the military has 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 at the weekend by the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said six of the students were rescued.
A pediatrician, Dr Hope Adejor in a chat with Journalist on Sunday warned that the children were being exposed to some life-threatening diseases, citing the harsh weather.
“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.
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, weekend, assured that troops were making significant progress towards the rescue of the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Shaibu disclosed this 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 lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.