Childrenโs Day celebrations across the country on Wednesday were overshadowed by growing concerns over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other stakeholders renewing calls for their safe return.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in the two states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.
In a personal statement to mark Childrenโs Day, which coincided with Eid-el-Kabir, Tinubu assured that the abducted children and teachers had not been abandoned.
The President lamented that some children who should have been celebrating with their families were instead being held by criminals.