The celebrations for Children’s Day on May 27, 2026, felt hollow for many families across the country. While the nation officially paused to reflect on the future of the younger generation, a grim reality cast a long shadow over the festivities. At least 81 school children, along with their teachers, are currently being held against their will by terrorists in different parts of the country.

This nightmare began with two distinct attacks in May. In Oyo State, terrorists raided a school, kidnapping 39 students and seven teachers. The cruelty of this incident was underscored by the recent beheading of one of the educators, Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade. This act has left the community in profound grief.

Just a few days earlier, on May 15, 2026, another 42 children were taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. This region has long been troubled by Boko Haram militants.

Civil society activists, including the popular rapper and campaigner Falz, have publicly condemned the federal government’s handling of these abductions. The coalition, which includes voices like Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Mike Igaga, Rufus Olusesan, Segun Oladunni, and Jonathan Ugbal, argues that the state has failed its primary duty of protecting its citizens. They point out that despite the sophisticated surveillance tools at the disposal of the Nigerian military, these children remain missing.

"It's 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 haven't they been found?"

These groups are drawing sharp parallels between the current administration’s posture and the response to the Chibok girls' abduction in 2014. They argue that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been largely quiet. He’s offered only routine statements while failing to provide a clear rescue plan. The frustration is compounded by the fact that the political class was recently seen busy with party primaries. The activists claim this event was prioritized over the safety of vulnerable school children.

Critics are also questioning the capacity of the Nigerian security apparatus. They ask why the government could quickly deploy military resources in December 2025 to stop a coup in the Republic of Benin on behalf of former President Patrice Talon, yet struggle to secure the release of children within their own borders. This perceived double standard has fueled accusations of misplaced priorities.

  • Number of school children currently in captivity: 81
  • Date of the Borno State abduction: May 15, 2026
  • Location of the Borno abduction: Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, Askira-Uba
  • Number of Oyo State victims: 39 pupils and 7 teachers
  • Identity of the murdered teacher: Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade

The #EndBadGovernanceMovement is now calling for nationwide peaceful protests to demand more accountability. They intend to push for the safe rescue of the students and a total overhaul of the current security strategy. With the current momentum, the organizers are urging labor unions and youth groups to join the call for action. The visibility of these protests aims to force the administration to move beyond platitudes and take concrete steps to bring the captives home.