There are concerns over the welfare of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted by bandits during a coordinated attack in Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
Terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
The 46 victims have now spent at least 54 days in captivity, enduring harsh conditions in the forest amid persistent heavy rainfall.
Due to the harsh weather condition, health experts have warned that if the abducted children are not rescued within the next few days, they could develop serious health complications, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Days after the abduction, the terrorists released a disturbing video showing the gruesome beheading of one of the teachers identified as Mr Michael Oyedokun.
Following the ongoing operation by security operatives, it was reported that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The terrorists, who have their escape routes into neighbouring states like Kwara, were said to have been besieged by security operatives while a special operation is being carried out to ensure that the victims are rescued alive.
Commenting on incident on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Olushola assured that the pupils and teachers will be rescued soon.
Olushola expressed hope that the victims would soon regain freedom.
“Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt,” he assured.
However, pediatrician warns of life-threatening disease if the children are not rescued
A pediatrician, Dr Hope Adejor in a chat with DAILY POST on Sunday warned that the children were being exposed to some life-threatening diseases, citing the harsh weather.
“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.
“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.
“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(COAS), Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday assured that troops were making significant progress towards the rescue of the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt 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 operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
