Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of schoolchildren and other victims abducted by bandits across the country.
Governor Abiodun made the remarks on Friday while delivering a speech at the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Using the occasion to express solidarity with victims of insecurity, the governor called for prayers for those affected by recent attacks and kidnappings nationwide.
“Let me use this occasion to ask us to remember and pray today for all those who have lost their lives and all those who have fallen victim to banditry across the length and breadth of our country.
“Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you, particularly those affected by the incident that happened days ago in Ogbomoso.
“Be assured that our President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, is working assiduously to ensure that he brings all these children back home safely to their families,” he stated.
Abiodun’s comments come amid growing public concern over a series of attacks on schools and communities in Oyo and Borno states, which have resulted in the abduction of pupils, teachers and other residents.
On May 15, armed bandits invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers and killing a teacher during the attack.
At Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, gunmen abducted a school principal, several teachers and dozens of pupils. One teacher was shot dead, while reports later indicated that another abducted teacher was killed by the kidnappers.
The attack triggered protests in Ogbomoso, where teachers suspended classroom activities and marched peacefully to the office of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), demanding urgent action to secure the release of those still being held captive.
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In a separate incident on the same day, suspected bandits reportedly abducted pupils from Mussa Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attacks have renewed fears over the safety of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where educational institutions have repeatedly been targeted by insurgents and criminal groups over the years.
