President Bola Tinubu has assured abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states that the Federal Government is working relentlessly to secure their safe return, declaring that they have not been forgotten or abandoned.
Gatekeepers News reports that the President gave the assurance in a personally signed statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
Tinubu acknowledged the pain and anxiety of families whose children remain in captivity following recent attacks on schools in parts of the country.
“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,” the President said.
“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.’”
Addressing the abducted children, their parents, and teachers directly, Tinubu stated: “To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”
The President also assured grieving families that the government would continue rescue efforts until every abducted child is safely returned and those responsible brought to justice.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. We 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,” he said.
Tinubu disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations across the country, stressing that such operations must remain intelligence-driven and carefully executed to ensure the safety of victims.
He further announced plans to strengthen school protection measures in vulnerable communities through updated school vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and community-based early warning mechanisms.
“I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas,” he said.
“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.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu said Nigerian children remain central to the country’s future and development.
“On this Children’s Day, 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,” he said.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital opportunities, and safer communities for children across the country.
“My administration remains committed to a Nigeria where every child can learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity, and dream without fear,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
Tinubu also stressed the need for collective responsibility in protecting children, urging parents, teachers, traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, local vigilantes, and the media to support efforts aimed at preventing attacks on schools and communities.
“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” he added.
