I Have Not Been Informed’ — Police Break Silence On Alleged Abduction Of Oyo, Borno School Pupils

The Oyo State Police Command has assured Nigerians that pupils and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area will be rescued safely.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Sunday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Olushola, expressed confidence that the victims, who have now spent at least 54 days in captivity, would soon regain their freedom.

When asked if there was hope for their safe return, Olushola replied, “Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”

The assurance comes amid growing concern over the welfare of pupils and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states on May 15, 2026.

Security sources believe many of the victims are being held in forest hideouts, where they have endured harsh conditions, including prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall.

Medical experts have warned that the children’s continued captivity could expose them to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, asthma and other respiratory infections.

In Oyo State, armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

Days after the incident, the kidnappers released a disturbing video showing the killing of one of the teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun. There were also reports that one of the abducted pupils died in captivity, although the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim as false.

Reports indicate that the victims are being held within the Old Oyo National Park, where security forces have intensified operations. The terrorists are believed to have escape routes into neighbouring Kwara State, but security operatives have reportedly surrounded the area in an effort to rescue the victims alive.

In neighbouring Borno State, suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting about 50 pupils after opening fire on the community.

Although some of the children have reportedly been rescued, many are still believed to be in captivity.

When contacted, Borno State Commissioner of Police Naziru D. Abdulmajid referred enquiries to the command’s spokesperson.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, explained that the rescue mission is being coordinated by the military under Operation HADIN KAI.

“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under Operation HADIN KAI, and I have not received any update from them. I have not been informed of any rescue, but once I receive confirmed information, I will make it available,” he said.

However, the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Mohammed Goni, disclosed over the weekend that six of the abducted pupils had been rescued.

Meanwhile, paediatrician Dr. Hope Adejor warned that the abducted children face severe health risks if they remain in captivity.

She noted that prolonged exposure to cold, rain and poor shelter could seriously weaken the children’s immune systems, particularly those between four and five years old.

“The weather is harsh even for adults, yet these young children are exposed in the bush without adequate shelter. Prolonged exposure could lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, and some may not survive without urgent intervention,” she said.

Dr. Adejor also cautioned that even after rescue, the children could suffer lasting health complications, including malaria, hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other infectious diseases.

She urged Nigerians to continue praying for their safety and recovery.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has also assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in the operation to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would end with the victims safely reunited with their families.

The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren has continued to fuel anxiety among parents and residents of the affected communities, especially as the rainy season intensifies across many parts of the country.