By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu has assured abducted Nigerian children and their families that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to secure their safe return and bring perpetrators to justice.

Tinubu gave the assurance in a statement personally signed on Wednesday to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

“On this Children’s Day, I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is excelling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade.

“I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing forward with courage. I celebrate the child who has lost much but has not lost hope,” the president said.

He described Nigerian children as “the pride of our Republic” and custodians of the nation’s future, stressing the need to create opportunities that guarantee their safety, education and development.

According to him, the theme of the celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” reflects the urgency of building a society where no child is left behind.

Tinubu noted that while many children marked the celebration with their families, some children and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno States remained in captivity.

“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.

“Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home’.”

The president assured affected families that the government would not relent in efforts to rescue abducted children and vulnerable citizens across the country.

“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.

“I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country.”

He said the operations must remain intelligence-led and carefully coordinated to prioritise the safe recovery of victims.

Tinubu also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in vulnerable areas through improved security coordination, early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.

“This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems.”

The president added that the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments had been directed to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear responsibilities and timelines.

He stressed that rescued children must receive proper rehabilitation, counselling, medical care and reintegration support.

“Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty. A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity.”

Tinubu called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community members to support efforts aimed at protecting children from violence and abduction.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and social protection programmes for children across the country. (NAN)

Update news