‘I Have Not Been Informed’ – Police Speak On Oyo, Borno School Pupils Abduction

The Oyo State Police Command has assured Nigerians that pupils and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state will soon be rescued unhurt.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Olushola, gave the assurance on Sunday when contacted over growing concerns about the fate of the abducted victims, who have now spent at least 54 days in captivity.

Asked if there was hope that the pupils and teachers would regain their freedom soon, Olushola simply told journalists, “Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”

Naija News reports that the assurance came amid mounting fears over the welfare of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno states on May 15, 2026.

The victims are believed to be held in forest locations, where they have reportedly been exposed to harsh conditions, including persistent heavy rainfall.

Health experts have warned that the prolonged stay in captivity, especially under poor shelter and harsh weather, could expose the children to serious health complications, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma and other life-threatening illnesses.

In Oyo State, terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were abducted during the attacks.

Days after the abduction, the terrorists released a disturbing video showing the killing of one of the teachers, identified as Mr Michael Oyedokun.

There were later reports claiming that one of the abducted pupils had also died in captivity.

However, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim, insisting that it was false.

Following ongoing security operations, reports indicated that the victims were being held within the Old Oyo National Park.

The terrorists, who reportedly have escape routes into neighbouring states such as Kwara, were said to have been surrounded by security operatives, while a special operation was ongoing to ensure that the victims are rescued alive.

In Borno State, suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

Local residents said the heavily armed insurgents stormed the community, fired sporadically and abducted about 50 schoolchildren.

Although reports suggested that some of the abducted pupils had since been rescued, many others were still believed to be in captivity in the forest.

When contacted on Sunday, the Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru D. Abdulmajid, referred enquiries to the command’s spokesperson.

The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the military had taken over the operation.

‘I Have Not Been Informed Of Any Rescue’

“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK and I have not gotten any update from them yet.

“I have not been informed if there was any rescue but if I get clear information, I will reach out to you,” Daily Post quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, a statement issued at the weekend by the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said six of the abducted pupils had been rescued.

A paediatrician, Dr Hope Adejor, warned that the abducted children could suffer serious and life-threatening illnesses if they are not rescued urgently.

Adejor, who spoke on Sunday, according to Daily Post, said the harsh weather and continued exposure to cold and rain could severely weaken the children, especially those as young as four and five years old.

“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as 4 and 5 are out there in the bush, with no shelter,” she said.

“It breaks my heart to imagine their condition. Days of exposure to cold can weaken their immune system, and children’s lungs are especially vulnerable.

“Pneumonia and other respiratory and cold-related illnesses are not things to gamble with. Some of them may not survive it.”

The doctor added that even if the children were rescued alive, their health could have been permanently affected by the conditions in captivity.

“Even if they are rescued, as we all pray, their lives may never be the same. From malaria to hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other diseases, the risks are many.

“Let us keep faith alive and pray that God shields them from every illness they are now exposed to,” she said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making progress in the operation to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu gave the assurance during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.

The continued captivity of the pupils has deepened anxiety among parents and residents in the affected communities, especially as the rainy season intensifies across parts of the country.