ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, almost two weeks after the incidents, pledging to collaborate with security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the attacks as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that assaults on schools and students amount to attacks on the nation’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.
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According to the statement, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen school safety through enhanced surveillance systems, emergency response mechanisms, and the implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
The ministry also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and support ongoing rescue operations, while expressing solidarity with the affected families and the governments of Oyo and Borno states.
No fewer than 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 in separate attacks across the two states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped on May 13 and 14 after armed men attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok local government areas. Another 40 schoolchildren were abducted on May 15 when gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During the Oyo attack, the abductors reportedly kidnapped mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun alongside pupils and teachers. The gunmen later beheaded the teacher and circulated a video of the killing.
A motorcyclist was also reportedly killed during the incident, while a security operative lost his life after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during rescue operations.
The affected schools in Oyo included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A. Primary School, Esiele. The Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, was also among those abducted.
In Borno, suspected Boko Haram insurgents 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 residents.
Sources said the suspected kidnappers behind the Oyo attack had opened communication with the state government and insisted on negotiating directly with the governor rather than the victims’ families.
Following the Borno incident, the state government temporarily shut down and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, to Government Secondary School, Uba, as part of emergency measures under the Safe Schools Initiative.
President Bola Tinubu had, in his Children’s Day message on Wednesday, directed intensified rescue efforts for the abducted pupils and ordered improved security around schools in vulnerable communities.