By: Daniel Kanu
A coalition of civil society activists, labour leaders and entertainer, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts toward rescuing over 80 schoolchildren allegedly still being held captive by kidnappers and insurgents in parts of the country.
In a statement issued today Thursday, 28th May, following the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the group lamented that at least 81 Nigerian children remain in captivity despite repeated assurances from government authorities on tackling insecurity.
The signatories said the continued abduction of schoolchildren reflects the worsening security crisis across Nigeria and raises concerns about the government’s capacity to protect lives and property.
They called on Nigerians, labour unions and civil society organisations to organise peaceful nationwide protests to demand the rescue of all abducted persons and improved security across the country.
According to the statement, the affected children include 39 pupils alongside seven teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The schools listed were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esinle; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle.
The group also referenced the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade, who they noted was recently beheaded by the abductors.
They further stated that another 42 children were allegedly abducted on May 15, 2026, during an attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The activists accused both the federal and affected state governments of failing to demonstrate urgency in securing the release of the victims.
“It is only right on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration that we ask President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Where are our abducted children? Why have they not been found?” the statement read.
The coalition argued that Nigerian security agencies possess advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities which, according to them, should be deployed more effectively in tracking and rescuing abducted persons.
The group also drew comparisons with previous administrations, warning that the current insecurity situation bears similarities to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
While acknowledging the importance of political activities and elections, the signatories maintained that protecting citizens should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
“A government unable to guarantee security and welfare has failed in its primary responsibility to the people,” the statement added.
They asked Nigerians, labour unions and civil society organisations to engage in peaceful nationwide protests to demand for the freedom of all the abducted individuals and improved security across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by Falz; Hassan Taiwo Soweto of the #EndBadGovernanceMovement; Mike Igaga of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation; Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement; Rufus Olusesan of PERESSA; Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front; Jonathan Ugbal of the Calabar Group of Socialists; Richard Inoyo of Citizens Solution Network; Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; Adaramoye Michael of the Youth Rights Campaign; Hon. Oluwaseyi Akinde of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights; Abdullah Bilal of the Solidarity Network for Workers Rights; and Daniel Akande of the #EndBadGovernanceMovement in Abuja.
The renewed calls come amid persistent concerns over mass abductions in schools and communities, across the country , where criminal gangs and insurgent groups have continued to target students and rural residents despite repeated military operations and government interventions.
