Oyo, Borno kidnappings: CHRICED condemns Presidency, demands urgent rescue of abducted pupils

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned the abduction of scores of students and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, accusing the Federal Government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and showing insensitivity to the plight of affected families.

In a press statement issued and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation expressed outrage over the attacks carried out on May 15, 2026, in both states, describing them as further evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

According to CHRICED, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, bringing the total number of victims to 46. The group noted with concern that reports indicate two of the kidnapped teachers have been killed.

The rights organisation also cited another incident that occurred on the same day in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly invaded the Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area and abducted 42 schoolchildren.

Describing the incidents as a tragic reflection of the country’s deteriorating security situation, CHRICED lamented that schools, which ought to be safe environments for learning and development, have increasingly become targets of criminal and terrorist attacks.

“These tragedies mark yet another bleak chapter in Nigeria’s deepening security collapse,” the organisation stated.

The group argued that the continued inability of security agencies to secure the release of the victims several weeks after their abductions raises serious concerns about government priorities, operational effectiveness and political commitment to addressing insecurity.

According to CHRICED, the recurring cases of banditry, terrorism and mass abductions across the country demonstrate a pattern of insecurity that has left many communities vulnerable and citizens fearful.

The organisation also criticised what it described as the insensitive response of the Presidency to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, expressing disappointment over the public distribution of luxury vehicles by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu during a period of national grief.

CHRICED said many Nigerians viewed the gesture as inappropriate at a time when families of abducted children were desperately awaiting news of their loved ones.

“At a time when parents are in anguish, teachers are traumatised, and innocent children are being brutalised in the forests by armed groups, such public displays send the wrong message to the nation,” the statement said.

The group maintained that leadership during periods of crisis should be characterised by empathy, solidarity and visible commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected citizens.

Drawing a contrast between the plight of the abducted victims and the activities of political leaders, CHRICED argued that many Nigerians were disturbed by what appeared to be a disconnect between the concerns of ordinary citizens and the actions of government officials.

The organisation therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the rescue of all abducted students an urgent national priority and to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture.

It stressed that any reform of the security sector must be anchored on transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes capable of restoring public confidence.

“The lives of Nigerian children must never be sacrificed on the altar of political calculations,” the group declared.

CHRICED also urged the First Lady to demonstrate greater sensitivity to the prevailing mood of the nation, insisting that public officials must remain mindful of the hardships being faced by citizens, particularly families whose loved ones remain in captivity.

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of human rights and civic freedoms, the organisation called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted students and addressing the root causes of insecurity across the country.

The group concluded with a passionate appeal for urgent action, insisting that Nigerian children deserve safety, parents deserve peace of mind, and the nation deserves leaders who are responsive to the pain and concerns of the people.
“Enough is enough,” CHRICED declared.