‘You’re Not Abandoned,’ Tinubu Assures Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren

President Bola Tinubu has assured families of schoolchildren abducted during separate attacks in Oyo State and Borno State that the victims will be rescued safely, declaring that the Federal Government will not relent until all the children regain their freedom.

The President gave the assurance in his Children’s Day 2026 message released on Wednesday, as he addressed growing national concerns over the recent wave of school attacks and abductions across parts of the country.

The message comes in the wake of coordinated attacks carried out on May 15, when armed assailants stormed schools in both states and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

In Oyo State, suspected gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located within Oriire Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that the attackers killed at least two persons during the operation and abducted about 45 pupils, alongside teachers and a school principal.

Security officials said the assailants reportedly invaded the communities in the early hours, firing gunshots before whisking the victims away into surrounding forested areas.

The attack triggered outrage across the state, with the Oyo State Government condemning the incident and pledging full cooperation with federal security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

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In Borno State, insurgents reportedly stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area while classes were ongoing, abducting several students and staff members.

The incident has heightened fears over a resurgence of school-targeted attacks in Nigeria’s North-East, reviving painful memories of past insurgent-led mass abductions.

Reacting to the attacks, Tinubu reassured affected families that the abducted children had not been forgotten.

“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,” the President said.

“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 President said his administration had directed all relevant security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and intelligence units, to intensify rescue operations nationwide.

According to him, security agencies have been instructed to deploy intelligence-driven rescue strategies focused on ensuring the safe return of all abducted victims while minimising risks to their lives.

Tinubu also announced plans to strengthen school security nationwide through expanded implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-prone communities.

He said the new measures would include updated school vulnerability mapping, rapid-response communication systems, improved surveillance mechanisms, and stronger community-based early warning structures.

The President further disclosed that all rescued children would receive medical treatment, trauma counselling, psychosocial support, education assistance and reintegration programmes to aid their recovery.

He urged parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to work closely with security agencies to safeguard schools and prevent future attacks.

“The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred,” Tinubu stated.

The latest attacks have renewed calls from education stakeholders and security experts for urgent reinforcement of school protection frameworks to guarantee the safety of Nigerian children and preserve uninterrupted access to education.

‘You’re Not Abandoned,’ Tinubu Assures Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren

ADC’s Atiku Victory a Testament to Internal Democracy – David Mark

ABUJA – The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , David Mark, has officially reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, declaring that the victory proves democracy can still function in Nigeria. Mark spoke on Wednesday night during the official collation and announcement of results at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, shortly after Atiku secured a landslide victory over former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

In his address, the former Senate President emphasized that the ADC primary was not just about selecting a candidate but about sending a message to the nation. “Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate,” Mark said. “Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians. It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organize itself around principles instead of personalities.” Mark also praised the conduct of the exercise, noting that the ADC remained committed to internal democracy despite predictions of collapse from critics. “Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse,” he added.

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According to results released by the ADC Electoral Committee, Atiku Abubakar defeated both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen by wide margins across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In Gombe State, Atiku polled 139,334 votes compared to Amaechi’s 1,150 and Hayatu-Deen’s 464. In Abia State, Atiku secured 25,153 votes while Amaechi had 18,339 and Hayatu-Deen had 3,264. In Osun State, Atiku won across all 30 local government areas with 12,321 votes, followed by Hayatu-Deen with 4,000 and Amaechi with 679. In Sokoto and Zamfara States, Atiku secured over 60,000 votes in each state. The ADC adopted the Option A4 voting method, with accredited party members queuing behind their preferred aspirants across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Mark took time to acknowledge the courage of the two other aspirants, describing them as democrats who strengthened the process. “It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have three strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket,” Mark stated. “This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices.” He revealed that he had hosted all three aspirants to a private dinner before the primary, where he urged them to prioritize national liberation over personal ambition. “Whatever happens in this primary, let us remember why we are doing this. The majority of Nigerians are looking up to us to liberate them from the current regime of suffering. We must not let them down,” Mark recalled telling them.

Accepting the nomination, Atiku Abubakar thanked the ADC leadership and specifically reached out to his rivals. “I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Atiku said. “In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country. As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers.” Atiku also used the opportunity to criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) , alleging that democracy was being “strangled” under the current administration, while declaring that democracy remains alive in the ADC.

With the presidential primary concluded, the African Democratic Congress now shifts focus to building a broader coalition to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections. David Mark reiterated that the ADC remains a social democratic platform committed to people-centered governance and will not engage in anti-democratic practices. “We have a sacred responsibility to build a party that will stand as a great institution not only in Nigeria but as a great example across the world,” Atiku added.

ADC’s Atiku Victory a Testament to Internal Democracy – David Mark

Omo-Agege Resigns From APC After Delta Primary Setback

Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing internal developments within the party and the need to pursue the interests of his constituents through a different political platform.

Resignation letter

Omo-Agege’s resignation was contained in a letter dated May 22, 2026, addressed to the chairman of APC Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The former Delta Central senator explained that recent events within the party had made it difficult for him to continue advancing the political and developmental aspirations of his people under the APC.

According to him, his decision followed wide consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Delta State.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” the former lawmaker reportedly stated in the resignation letter.

Omo-Agege also expressed appreciation to the APC for providing him the platform to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, describing the opportunity as a privilege he would always cherish.

He further requested that his name be removed from all party registers, communication channels, and official structures of the APC at the ward, state, and national levels.

The resignation comes barely days after Omo-Agege reportedly lost the APC senatorial primary election for Delta Central ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development political observers believe may have influenced his decision to quit the party.

A prominent figure in Delta State politics, Omo-Agege was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State. He also served as Deputy Senate President between 2019 and 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His exit is expected to trigger fresh political realignments within the APC in Delta State, especially in Delta Central Senatorial District where he commands significant political influence.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership had yet to officially react to his resignation or disclose whether efforts were being made to persuade him to reconsider his decision.

Omo-Agege Resigns From APC After Delta Primary Setback