Governor Makinde Calls For Urgent Rescue Of Borno Pupils Abducted On Same Day As Oyo Schoolchildren

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure the release of more than 40 pupils abducted in Borno State, who have remained in captivity for 127 days.

Makinde made the call while reflecting on the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed terrorists attacked schools on May 15, 2026.

The governor noted that the Borno abduction occurred on the same day as the separate attack in Oyo State, where approximately 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped.

In Borno State, 42 pupils were abducted from schools in the Mussa community of Askira Uba Local Government Area.

Speaking on the situation, Makinde said the continued captivity of the Borno pupils should concern Nigerians, stressing that children should be able to pursue their education without fear for their lives.

“To the people of Oyo State and to Nigerians who have been following this process, examine the evidence, examine what we built before Oriire, what happened when the attack came, what this commission has found and what we would do in response,” he said.

He added, “Judge us by the changes we promised and judge us by these records. Let me end these remarks by calling for intensified efforts to rescue over 40 youths in Borno State, kidnapped on the same day as the Oriire abductions, who remain in captivity, 127 days later.”

Makinde further said, “No Nigerian child irrespective of what corner of the country they may be should have to fear for their lives because they are trying to get educated.”

The governor’s call comes months after the abduction of the Borno pupils, whose whereabouts and condition have remained a major concern.

The May 15 incident in Borno occurred as the security situation in parts of the country continued to pose threats to students and educational institutions, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and terrorism.

In Oyo State, armed terrorists had similarly stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area on the same day, abducting pupils and teachers.

However, the hostages abducted from three schools in Oriire later regained their freedom following a security operation. Sadly, two teachers were killed by the terrorists.

SaharaReporters reported in July that the pupils and teachers were rescued after their captors allegedly abandoned them deep inside a forest while fleeing from a security operation mounted by a joint task force.

The operation reportedly followed days of ground assaults by security personnel, who advanced into the forest from multiple directions and engaged suspected kidnappers in a series of encounters.

The operation eventually culminated in the rescue of all the surviving hostages abducted during the Oriire attacks.

While the Oyo victims were eventually released, the continued captivity of the Borno pupils has prolonged concerns among their families and communities.

Makinde’s appeal therefore places renewed attention on the need for intensified security efforts to locate and rescue the children still being held by their abductors.