Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue more than 40 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State, who have remained in captivity for 137 days.
Makinde made the appeal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Oyo State Government to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor noted that the Borno schoolchildren were abducted on the same day as the pupils and teachers taken during the attack on schools in Oriire on May 15, 2026.
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According to Makinde, while the Oriire victims were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, families of the Borno children have continued to wait anxiously for the safe return of their loved ones.
“Let me end this remark by calling for intensified efforts to rescue the over 40 children kidnapped in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire abduction, who remain in captivity 137 days later,” Makinde said.
He stressed that no child should have to risk his or her life simply because of the desire to obtain an education, calling for stronger and more coordinated security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.
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“No Nigerian child, irrespective of what corner of Nigeria they may be located, should have to fear for their lives because they are trying to get educated,” the governor said.
Makinde’s appeal came against the backdrop of the findings of the judicial commission into the Oriire incident, which involved the abduction of 46 people, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers. The victims were held for 56 days before 44 of them returned, while two teachers lost their lives during the ordeal.
The governor said the experience should compel authorities at all levels to examine existing security arrangements, identify failures and take concrete steps to prevent a recurrence of school abductions.
He also stressed the need for government to go beyond expressions of sympathy by providing answers and taking practical measures capable of guaranteeing the safety of children and teachers in schools.
The call has further drawn attention to the continuing insecurity affecting education in parts of Borno State, particularly Askira-Uba Local Government Area, where reports indicate that dozens of pupils abducted in separate attacks remain in captivity.
Makinde’s appeal therefore places renewed emphasis on the urgent responsibility of government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the children and restore confidence among families whose children remain missing.
