By our reporter 27.5.2026
Two weeks after 46 students were plucked from various schools by bandits in Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu open up on Wednesday assuring families of the victims they haven’t been forgotten.
On May 15 gunmen abducted the students and teachers from the Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the bandits sparking a national outcry, but it seems politicians were more concerned about their party primaries.
Tinubu said in a statement marking the World Children’s Day he has ordered the security agencies to intensify search and rescue efforts.
“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. 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,” Tinubu said.
He also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, mandating the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework.
“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.”