Fear in Schools as Education Ministry Breaks Silence on Oyo, Borno Abductions

 By Kehinde Awosina 

The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in parts of Oyo and Borno, describing the incidents as disturbing attacks on the nation’s education system and the future of Nigerian children.

The condemnation comes about two weeks after gunmen and suspected terrorists attacked schools in both states, abducting dozens of pupils, students, and teachers.

In Oyo State, armed men reportedly stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting students and staff members during the attacks. A similar incident occurred in Borno State, where insurgents attacked a school in Askira/Uba Local Government Area and whisked away several students. 

The ministry expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity around schools, warning that repeated attacks on learning institutions could worsen the country’s out-of-school children crisis and discourage parents from sending their children to school.

Education authorities also stressed the need for stronger security measures around schools across the country, calling on security agencies and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and prevent future attacks.

The incidents have continued to attract national outrage, with lawmakers, political leaders, and civil society groups demanding urgent action from the government to secure schools and protect children from criminal attacks. 

The Senate had earlier condemned the abductions, describing them as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future, while also renewing calls for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.