Concerns are intensifying over the safety and wellbeing of schoolchildren and minors abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo State and Borno State on May 15, 2026, as the victims remain in captivity under worsening conditions.
The kidnapped pupils and teachers, taken in simultaneous assaults across both states, have now spent at least 54 days in the forest.
Reports indicate they are enduring severe hardship, including continuous exposure to heavy rainfall and harsh weather conditions that have persisted over several weeks, according to Daily Post.
Health professionals have raised alarms over the potential medical consequences of prolonged exposure. They warn that if the abducted children are not rescued in the coming days, they could develop serious illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life-threatening conditions linked to prolonged exposure and weakened immunity.
In Old Oyo National Park, security sources believe the abducted victims are being held within the forested reserve as operatives continue search-and-rescue efforts. The terrorists, reportedly using escape routes into neighbouring states such as Kwara, are said to be under pressure from ongoing security operations aimed at securing the safe release of the hostages.
A spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Olushola, expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued soon when contacted on Sunday. He stated, “Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt”.
The Oyo incident followed coordinated attacks in which armed assailants stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area. At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were abducted. Days after the incident, the attackers released a disturbing video showing the beheading of a teacher identified as Mr. Michael Oyedokun. There were also unverified claims that a pupil died in captivity, though the police dismissed the report as false.
In Borno State, suspected militants believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils after firing sporadically into the air. Residents reported that about 50 children were taken during the raid, though some have since been rescued while many remain missing in forested areas.
When contacted, the Naziru D. Abdulmajid directed inquiries to the police spokesperson, while the command’s PRO, Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the military was leading the operation under Operation HADIN KAI, noting that updates had not yet been received. “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”, he said.
Meanwhile, the military confirmed some progress in rescue efforts. A statement by Mohammed Goni revealed that six of the abducted students have been rescued as operations continue in the area.
On the medical risks facing the children, pediatrician Hope Adejor warned that prolonged exposure to cold, rain, and unsanitary forest conditions could have severe consequences. She said, “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, Waidi Shaibu, also assured over the weekend that troops are making meaningful progress in efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, he said, “Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” expressing optimism that the victims would soon be reunited with their families.
