The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States, incidents that occurred nearly two weeks earlier.
The ministry also pledged collaboration with security agencies to secure the release of all affected pupils.
This position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the attacks as both tragic and unacceptable, stressing that violence against schools amounts to an assault on the nation’s future.
“No child should face fear or violence in pursuit of education. Government remains committed to securing schools and protecting learners nationwide,” Alausa stated.
He further reaffirmed the government’s determination to strengthen school safety through enhanced surveillance systems, improved emergency response mechanisms, and full implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
The Ministry appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and support ongoing rescue operations.
It also expressed solidarity with the families of victims and the governments of Oyo and Borno States.
According to official figures, 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15 in separate attacks across the two states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were taken on May 13 and 14 after armed assailants struck schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.
In Oyo State, 40 schoolchildren were abducted on May 15 following attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
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During the Oyo incident, gunmen also abducted a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, along with pupils and other staff members.
He was later killed, with reports indicating that the abductors released a video of the killing.
A motorcyclist was also killed in the attack, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted during early rescue efforts.
The affected schools in Oyo include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A. Primary School, Esiele. The vice principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, was also among those taken.
In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, near the Sambisa Forest axis.
The Emir of Uba later confirmed that 48 people were abducted from the community, comprising 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents.
Reports also indicate that the abductors involved in the Oyo incident have opened communication channels with the state government.
However, they reportedly refused to speak with victims’ families and insisted on negotiating directly with the governor.
Following the attack in Borno, the state government temporarily shut down and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, to Government Secondary School, Uba, as part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative.
President Bola Tinubu, in a Children’s Day message on Wednesday, directed enhanced protection for schools in high-risk areas and ordered intensified coordinated efforts to rescue the abducted children.