Horror Continues: Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren Trapped 54 Days in Forest Hell

Serious concerns are escalating regarding the well-being of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted during synchronized attacks in Oyo and Borno States on May 15, 2026. The victims have now endured at least 54 days in harsh captivity within forest environments, compounded by persistent heavy rainfall. Health experts have issued dire warnings, stating that failure to rescue these children within the next few days could lead to severe health complications such as pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other potentially life-threatening illnesses due to the extreme weather conditions.

In Oyo State, the abductions occurred when terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all situated in the Oriire Local Government Area. These coordinated attacks resulted in the kidnapping of at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. A harrowing video released days after the incident depicted the brutal beheading of one of the teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun. While initial reports circulated about the death of an abducted pupil, the Oyo State Police Command refuted this claim, asserting its falsehood. Security operations are actively underway, with reports indicating that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park. The terrorists, known to have escape routes into neighboring states like Kwara, are reportedly besieged by security operatives, who are conducting a special operation to ensure the safe rescue of all victims. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola, affirmed that the pupils and teachers would be rescued unhurt and soon.

Simultaneously, in Borno State, suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. During the assault, heavily armed insurgents fired indiscriminately before abducting approximately 50 schoolchildren. Although some of the abducted pupils have reportedly been rescued, many others remain in captivity within the forest. The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru D. Abdulmajid, directed inquiries to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth. ASP Kenneth confirmed that the military, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), is coordinating the rescue efforts but had no immediate updates on further rescues. However, a statement from Mohammed Goni, the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that six of the students had been rescued.

Dr. Hope Adejor, a pediatrician, underscored the grave health risks faced by the abducted children. She emphasized that the harsh weather, even challenging for adults, poses an immense threat to children as young as 4 and 5 years old who are without shelter in the bush. Dr. Adejor warned that prolonged exposure to cold weakens immune systems and leaves children's lungs highly vulnerable. She specifically cited pneumonia, other respiratory and cold-related illnesses as critical concerns, stressing that some children might not survive these conditions. Furthermore, she noted that even if rescued, the children's lives might be permanently altered, facing risks from malaria, hypothermia, leptospirosis, and dengue fever.

In response to the crisis, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), provided reassurance during an interactive session in Port Harcourt. He affirmed that troops are making significant progress in operations aimed at rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State, expressing confidence in their safe return to their families. The ongoing efforts highlight the national commitment to ensuring the swift and unharmed release of all those held captive across both states.