Anxiety grows as abducted Oyo, Borno schoolchildren spend 54 days in captivity

Fresh concerns have emerged over the fate of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, as many of the victims have now spent at least 54 days in captivity amid worsening weather conditions and growing fears over their health and safety.

The children, who were kidnapped during separate attacks on May 15, 2026, are believed to still be held in forest hideouts, where they have endured weeks of heavy rainfall, exposure to the elements and limited access to food, shelter and medical care.

Health experts have warned that the prolonged captivity could expose the victims, many of them minors, to life-threatening illnesses including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, hypothermia and other respiratory infections if they are not rescued quickly.

Oyo pupils, teachers remain in captivity

In Oyo State, terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area—Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Esiele—abducting at least 39 pupils and seven members of staff, including a school principal.

The attack shocked residents after the abductors later released a disturbing video showing the killing of one of the teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun.

Subsequent reports also claimed that one of the abducted pupils had died while in captivity, but the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the report, insisting there was no evidence to support the claim.

Security sources indicate that the abductees are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park, where security forces have reportedly intensified operations aimed at rescuing them alive.

The kidnappers are also believed to have established escape routes linking neighbouring Kwara State, prompting coordinated security operations across the affected areas.

Speaking on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Olushola, assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.

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Responding to questions on the prospects of a rescue, the police spokesperson said, “Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”

Many Borno pupils still missing

In Borno State, suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils after invading the community and firing sporadically.

Residents said about 50 children were taken away during the raid.

Although some of the pupils have reportedly been rescued in subsequent military operations, many others are still believed to be held in captivity.

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

The Police Public Relations Officer, Daso Nahum Kenneth, explained that the rescue mission is currently 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 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.

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However, a weekend statement issued by the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, confirmed that six of the abducted pupils had been rescued.

Doctor warns of looming health crisis

A paediatrician, Dr. Hope Adejor, warned that the prolonged exposure of the children to harsh weather conditions could result in severe medical complications.

According to her, children, especially those between the ages of four and five, are particularly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of their developing immune systems.

“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as four and five are out there in the bush with no shelter,” she said.

She warned that prolonged exposure could weaken their immune systems, increasing the risk of pneumonia, respiratory infections, malaria, hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other life-threatening illnesses.

“Even if they are rescued, as we all pray, their lives may never be the same. The risks are enormous, and urgent intervention is needed,” she added.

Army assures families of ongoing rescue efforts

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said military operations were advancing positively.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.

The Army Chief expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would culminate in the safe rescue of all the victims and their reunion with their families.

The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren has continued to raise public concern, with parents, residents and child rights advocates urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts before the deteriorating weather conditions further endanger the lives of the victims.