President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure the kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States are safely rescued from their captors.

“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,” stated Mr Tinubu in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 Children Day in Nigeria.

Dozens of victims, including schoolchildren and teachers, kidnapped from Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno and Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire local government area of Oyo, are still languishing in terrorists’ dens.

The president, who decried the abduction of the victims vowed to bring perpetrators to justice.

“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals. Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’

“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,” he stated. 

While assuring intelligence-driven operations to ensure the freedom of captives across the country, Mr Tinubu stated that effective collaboration between the government, traditional rulers and the media is key to ensuring children’s safety.

“Let me also state that protecting children cannot be left solely to the government. Parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media all have a role to play. 

“When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk. When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he noted.

The president added his administration remains committed to a country where every child can learn safely, grow in good health, eat well, access opportunity and dream without fear.