Children’s Day: ActionAid Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo School Children

ActionAid Nigeria has called for the immediate rescue of schoolchildren abducted from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The organisation made the demand during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, expressing outrage over the continued captivity of dozens of children and teachers abducted during attacks on the communities on May 15, 2026.

In a statement signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, the group described the situation as a tragic reflection of worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

“Twenty-five children wait in a forest, kept from their families, their schools, and their hopes. This is more than just a failure to keep them safe; it is a deep moral problem,” Mamedu stated.

ActionAid said 25 children and seven teachers remained in captivity nearly two weeks after the attack, despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.

While commending security operatives involved in the rescue mission, the organisation insisted that the Federal Government must deploy all available intelligence, military, diplomatic and political resources to secure the victims’ release.

The group stressed that Children’s Day should symbolise protection, dignity and hope, lamenting that many Nigerian children were instead spending the day in captivity.

“It is shocking that children who went to school looking for an education instead faced gunfire and terror. School must be a safe place,” the statement added.

ActionAid also urged the Oyo State Government to intensify negotiations, rescue operations and support for affected families, including regular updates on rescue efforts.

The organisation further called on the National Assembly and the Oyo State House of Assembly to hold emergency sessions on insecurity in vulnerable communities and provide additional resources for school protection.

ActionAid reaffirmed solidarity with affected families and urged civil society groups, religious leaders, the media and Nigerians to continue demanding the safe return of the abducted victims.