Health Fears Deepen as Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren Spend 54 Days in Captivity

Anxiety is growing over the condition of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, as the victims have now spent 54 days in captivity amid heavy rainfall and worsening weather conditions

Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to cold, rain and poor living conditions in the forest could leave the children vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, malaria, hypothermia, asthma and other respiratory infections, if they are not rescued soon.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when terrorists launched separate attacks on schools in the two states. In Oyo State, gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

The attack took a tragic turn days later when the kidnappers released a video showing the beheading of one of the teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun. Reports also emerged claiming that one of the abducted pupils had died in captivity, but the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the report as false.

Security sources said the abductees are believed to be held inside the Old Oyo National Park, where security forces have intensified operations. The kidnappers are reportedly trapped within the forest as troops continue coordinated efforts to rescue the victims alive. Speaking with DAILY POST, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Olushola, expressed confidence that the children and teachers would be rescued safely.

A similar attack occurred in Borno State when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) invaded Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting about 50 pupils after firing indiscriminately. Although six of the children have since been rescued, many others are still believed to be in captivity.

Borno State Police spokesperson, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the rescue operation is currently under the control of the military through Operation HADIN KAI. He noted that the police command had yet to receive an official update on the remaining victims, while the military recently confirmed the rescue of six pupils.

Pediatrician Dr. Hope Adejor warned that the children’s prolonged stay in the forest during the rainy season could have severe medical consequences. She explained that young children have weaker immune systems and are highly susceptible to illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to cold and unsanitary conditions.

“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as four and five years old are out there in the bush without shelter. Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses are not things to gamble with. Even if they are rescued, they may still suffer long-term health consequences from malaria, hypothermia, leptospirosis, dengue fever and other diseases,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in the operation to rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers. Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, the Army Chief expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.