The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the abduction of students in Oyo and Borno states, nearly two weeks after the incidents occurred, and vowed to work with security agencies to ensure the safe return of all the children.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the attacks as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that attacks on schools and students amount to attacks on Nigeria’s future.
“No child should face fear or violence in pursuit of education. Government remains committed to securing schools and protecting learners nationwide,” Alausa stated.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening school security through improved surveillance, emergency response systems and the implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
The ministry also urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation and support ongoing rescue efforts, while expressing solidarity with affected families and the governments of Oyo and Borno states.
At least 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in the two states.
Forty-two pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok local government areas of Borno State, while another 40 schoolchildren were abducted after gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During the Oyo attack, gunmen abducted mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun alongside pupils and teachers. The abductors later beheaded the teacher and released a video of the killing.
A motorcyclist was also killed during the attack, while a security operative reportedly died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
The schools attacked in Oyo included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A. Primary School, Esiele, where the vice principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, was among those abducted.
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area near the Sambisa Forest.
The Emir of Uba later disclosed that 48 persons were abducted from the community, including 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students and five other residents.
The statement also noted that suspected terrorists behind the Oyo abductions had opened communication with the state government and insisted on negotiating directly with the governor rather than the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has temporarily closed and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, to Government Secondary School, Uba, as part of emergency safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed enhanced protection for schools in high-risk areas and ordered intensified rescue efforts for the abducted children.
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