By Daily Review Online
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured families of abducted children in parts of the country that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to secure their safe return, declaring that children held captive by criminals have not been forgotten.
In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President paid tribute to Nigerian children, describing them as the pride and future of the nation. He celebrated children excelling in academics, learning vocational skills, living with disabilities, and those enduring difficult circumstances while remaining hopeful.
Referencing this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu said the future of Nigeria depended on the opportunities created for children today.
The President expressed concern that while many children were celebrating the occasion alongside the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, some children and teachers abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno remained in captivity.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu said he had directed security agencies to sustain and intensify intelligence-led rescue operations aimed at recovering abducted children and other vulnerable citizens safely.
He also announced measures to strengthen school protection in high-risk areas, including updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid response systems, and stronger community-based early warning networks.
According to the President, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, has been directed to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure schools in vulnerable communities are adequately prepared to respond to security threats.
The President stressed that government responsibility does not end with the rescue of abducted children, noting that victims of violence and displacement must receive counselling, medical care, education, and reintegration support.
Tinubu further called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes, and the media to support efforts to protect children, emphasizing that community vigilance remains critical in preventing attacks on schools and communities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills development, and safer communities for children across the country.
“Childhood must not be a privilege reserved for a few. It is the right of every Nigerian child,” the President said.