The Digest:
Thirteen days after the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Borno and Oyo states, all victims remain in captivity. On May 15, 2026, Boko Haram insurgents abducted 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno. The same day, gunmen kidnapped 46 persons – seven teachers and 39 students – from three schools in Oyo’s Oriire LGA, including a two‑year‑old toddler. One teacher was killed during the Oyo attack, and another was later beheaded. There has been no communication from the Borno abductors, while Oyo kidnappers have only released videos pleading for rescue.
Key Points:
- Parents in Borno report no visible progress and no contact from abductors, heightening fears for toddlers (ages 2–5) who can barely feed themselves.
- In Oyo, one teacher has been beheaded; the abducted principal and a nursing mother have appeared in videos begging for rescue, but no ransom demand has been made public.
- Borno State has closed the affected school and ordered relocation of pupils under the Safe Schools Initiative, but no rescue has occurred.
- President Tinubu vowed in a Children’s Day message to intensify rescue operations, but families say government assurances have not translated into action.
- Security expert Kunle Olawunmi blamed “collective incompetence in governance” and called for professional, merit‑based security leadership.
Sources: Daily Trust
