Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria strongly condemns the recent abduction attack carried out against school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, 15th May 2026.
The horrifying incident, which affected Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, reportedly led to the abduction of 46 persons, including 39 children and 7 teachers and school personnel. The attack also resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including a school official and a civilian within the affected community.
This disturbing act represents a grave violation of children’s rights, the right to education, and the safety and dignity of every child. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, growth, and protection — not environments of fear, violence, and insecurity.
Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria expresses deep concern over the growing threats to the safety of children and educational institutions in Nigeria. The abduction of children, including toddlers and primary school pupils as young as two years old, highlights the urgent need for stronger child protection systems, improved school safety mechanisms, and coordinated emergency response structures across vulnerable communities.
We acknowledge the efforts of the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders currently working to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for this criminal act. We urge authorities to ensure that rescue operations remain swift, child-sensitive, and guided by the best interests and safety of the affected children and families.
We further call on government institutions, humanitarian actors, development partners, community leaders, and civil society organizations to strengthen investments in:
- Safe school initiatives and school protection mechanisms
- Community-based surveillance and early warning systems
- Child safeguarding and emergency response frameworks
- Mental health and psychosocial support services for affected children and families
- Protection-focused interventions for vulnerable rural communities
- Intelligence gathering and rapid security response systems
The psychological, emotional, and educational impact of such incidents on children, families, and communities cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, there is an urgent need for long-term psychosocial care, trauma-informed support, and reintegration services for survivors and affected families.
Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria stands in solidarity with the affected schools, families, and communities during this difficult time and reiterates its commitment to advancing child protection, safeguarding vulnerable populations, promoting safe learning environments, and supporting efforts aimed at ending violence against children.
We call for the immediate and safe release of all abducted children and school personnel.
Every child deserves safety.
Every child deserves education.
Every child deserves protection.
Signed:
Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI)
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
