“You Are Not Abandoned” — Tinubu Vows To Bring Captive Pupils Home

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday delivered an emotional Children’s Day message to Nigerians, declaring that children and teachers currently held by kidnappers in Oyo and Borno states “are not forgotten” and promising that his administration would continue working until they are safely reunited with their families.

In a statement that combined celebration with national reflection, the President said this year’s Children’s Day could not be marked without remembering children trapped in captivity and parents spending the festive season in anguish.

“As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” Tinubu said.

“Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home,” the Nigerian leader added.

Addressing the abducted children directly, the President declared: “To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”

The nation’s number one citizen also assured grieving families that the Federal Government would not relent until the victims regain freedom and those behind the abductions face justice.

“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony,” he assured, insisting “We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice.”

The President revealed that he had directed security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue missions across the country, stressing that operations must be “intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.”

He further announced fresh measures to strengthen security around schools in vulnerable communities, including improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and stronger community intelligence networks.

“I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas,” Tinubu disclosed, further revealing “This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems.”

The President said the Federal Ministry of Education had also been instructed to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework so that schools in danger-prone areas would know “who to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified.”

Beyond rescue efforts, Tinubu promised long-term care and rehabilitation for children affected by violence, kidnapping and displacement.

“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he said.

The President urged Nigerians not to leave the protection of children solely in the hands of government, calling on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes and the media to play active roles in safeguarding schools and communities.

“When warning signs are ignored, families suffer,” he warned, explaining “When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved.”

Tinubu maintained that every Nigerian child deserves the right to safety, education and opportunity, insisting that childhood “must not be a privilege reserved for a few.”

“To our children, you matter — your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters,” the President declared.

Emphasising “Be assured that your future matters to this government and to this nation, and we will safeguard it.”