The continued captivity of 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State has generated renewed public concern and raised serious questions about the security of educational institutions in Nigeria. The children, who were reportedly kidnapped in two separate incidents in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, have remained in captivity, leaving their parents, relatives and communities in deep anguish. The development has triggered fresh appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards securing their unconditional release. For the affected families, every passing day represents another painful reminder of the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their children. What should ordinarily be a peaceful childhood characterised by education, friendship and personal development has turned into an agonising experience of fear and uncertainty.
According to reports, the first abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, in Mussa community, where 42 children were reportedly taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School and nearby homes. A second incident reportedly occurred on June 29, 2026, at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, where 36 students and one teacher were abducted. The two incidents bring the reported number of abducted children to 78, alongside one teacher, making a total of 79 victims. The incidents have exposed the continuing vulnerability of communities in parts of Borno State, where insecurity remains a major challenge. The abduction of children from educational environments is particularly disturbing because schools are expected to provide protection, knowledge and opportunities for a better future, not become locations of fear and criminal exploitation.
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78 SCHOOLCHILDREN STILL IN CAPTIVITY IN BORNO: PARENTS CRY OUT AS TINUBU FACES FRESH APPEAL |
The situation has attracted reactions from humanitarian organisations, religious bodies and concerned citizens. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reportedly called on the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the children’s release and ensure that schools remain safe for learning. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, has also appealed for urgent government intervention. In addition, the Ashlee Momoh Foundation reportedly organised an advocacy rally in Abuja on October 27, 2026, demanding action over the continued captivity of the children. On October 29, representatives of the Margi community also appealed directly to President Tinubu to intervene. These appeals demonstrate the growing concern among Nigerians over the fate of the victims and the need for a coordinated response that will bring an end to their suffering.
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78 SCHOOLCHILDREN STILL IN CAPTIVITY IN BORNO: PARENTS CRY OUT AS TINUBU FACES FRESH APPEAL |
The disturbing development raises important questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements around schools and vulnerable communities in Nigeria. If children can be abducted from their educational institutions and remain in captivity for months, the government must urgently examine the security gaps that make such incidents possible. Education is a fundamental instrument of national development, and no society can guarantee meaningful educational advancement when parents are afraid of sending their children to school. The psychological consequences of these abductions are also enormous, not only for the victims but for their families and other children who may begin to associate schooling with danger. The Federal Government and the Borno State Government must therefore strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security surveillance, support vulnerable communities and ensure that every available lawful measure is deployed towards rescuing the victims.
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78 SCHOOLCHILDREN STILL IN CAPTIVITY IN BORNO: PARENTS CRY OUT AS TINUBU FACES FRESH APPEAL |
As of October 30, 2026, the latest reports indicate that the 78 children and their teacher have not been confirmed rescued. Their continued captivity should not be treated as an ordinary security statistic or another passing news development. Behind the reported figures are children whose parents want to see them return home, families whose peace has been disrupted and communities waiting for answers. President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the military, the police and other relevant security institutions must give the matter the urgency it deserves. The government owes Nigerian parents the assurance that their children can attend school without becoming targets of kidnappers and armed criminals. The central question is no longer simply how many children have been abducted, but what concrete steps are being taken to bring them home. Nigeria must not allow the fate of these 78 children and their teacher to disappear from national attention.
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