50 days in captivity: MHI demands urgent action to rescue Oyo and Borno schoolchildren

The Mercy Helpline Initiative (MHI) marks today, July 4, 2026, has expressed deep sorrow while commemorating 50 agonizing days since the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.

The initiative through its Executive Director Samuel Solomon demand that governments at all levels take immediate action to secure their safe release.

“On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School—abducting at least 39 children and seven teachers, some as young as two years old. The same day, suspected Boko Haram insurgents invaded Mussa community in Borno State, abducting 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary Schools, including a one-and-a-half-year-old child. Tragically, at least one teacher was killed in Oyo, with reports suggesting two may have died.

Today, these innocent victims remain in captivity under harsh conditions while their families endure fear and uncertainty.

MHI calls on the Federal Government, State Governments, and all security agencies to intensify rescue operations immediately; prioritize the safe and unconditional release of all victims; provide transparent updates to families and the public; strengthen school security through full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, deployment of security personnel to vulnerable schools, and improved early warning systems; and address root causes including banditry, terrorism, and arms proliferation.

We acknowledge the Nigeria Union of Teachers’ suspension of its strike following government assurances on improved security, and we commend their advocacy. However, these assurances must translate into concrete action and results.

MHI stands in solidarity with the families. No parent should fear sending their child to school. No teacher should risk their life to educate the next generation. An attack on education is an attack on Nigeria’s future.

We demand equal commitment to securing the release of both Oyo and Borno victims. Every life matters.”