We Haven’t Forgotten Abducted Students, Teachers — Tinubu

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…Orders Security Agencies To Locate, Rescue Them

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has directed se­curity agencies to locate children and teachers abducted from a community in Oyo State, saying his administration has not forgotten about them.

He gave the directive against the backdrop of the 2026 Children’s Day commemoration on Wednesday.

According to the president, “Those children, their parents, and their teach­ers, I say this as a father and your Presi­dent: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”

He also sympathised with the families grieving and despon­dent, saying your government will not turn your pain into cer­emony.

The president noted that gov­ernment will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communi­ties are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice.

According to him, “I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensi­fy coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully ex­ecuted and focused on the safe recovery of our children.

“I have also directed the strengthening of school protec­tion measures in high-risk areas. This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer co­ordination between state govern­ments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems”.

He acknowledged that it was significant for this year’s Children’s Day to coincide with the Sallah festivities, saying “I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is ex­celling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade. I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing for­ward with courage. I celebrate the child who has lost much but has not lost hope.

“Today belongs to you. It is a day to celebrate your innocence, your strength, your creativity, your aspirations, and the im­measurable value you bring to our nation. You are the pride of our Republic, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, and the liv­ing reminder that we can shape the future of Nigeria by the opportunities we create for our children today.

“The theme for this year’s cel­ebration, ‘Future Now: Promot­ing Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child’, speaks powerfully to the soul of our national conscience. It reminds us that the future is not a distant promise; it is already here.

“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el- Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their fam­ilies, but are being held captive by criminals. Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s cele­bration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our chil­dren home.’”

He confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education, is work­ing with state governments, to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting, clear re­sponsibility and clear timelines. Every school in a vulnerable area must know who to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified.

“We will also improve support for children who have survived abduction, violence and displace­ment. Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty. A child who returns from trauma must re­turn to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dig­nity. I have directed the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that recovered children receive proper reintegration support, not temporary attention.

“Let me also state that pro­tecting children cannot be left solely to the government. par­ents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media all have a role to play. When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk. When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When in­formation is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved.

“This is why we will contin­ue to strengthen the link between communities and security agen­cies. The fight to protect children must begin before an attack hap­pens, not after one has already occurred,” the president stated.

He said his administration remains committed to a Nigeria where every child can learn safe­ly, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity and dream without fear.

“We are investing in educa­tion, health care, nutrition, social protection, digital skills and safer communities because childhood must not be a privilege reserved for a few. It is the right of every Nigerian child.

“To our children, you mat­ter—your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters. Be assured that your fu­ture matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it,” he added.