Police Speak On Oyo, Borno School Pupils Abduction

Police Speak On Oyo, Borno School Pupils Abduction
Army chief said rescue operations are making significant progress.
Experts warned prolonged captivity threatens the children’s health.

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 unharmed despite spending at least 54 days in captivity.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Olushola, gave the assurance on Sunday while responding to concerns over the victims’ safety.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that when asked if there was hope for their rescue, Olushola said, “Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.

At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were kidnapped during the attacks. Days later, the abductors released a video showing the killing of one of the teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, while reports that an abducted pupil died in captivity were dismissed by the police.

Security sources said the victims are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park, where troops have intensified operations to secure their release.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said troops were making significant progress in the rescue mission.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt.

Health experts have also raised concerns over the welfare of the children, warning that prolonged exposure to rain, cold and poor shelter could expose them to illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria and other life-threatening conditions.