KEY POINTS

• Federal Government condemned the abduction of students in Oyo and Borno states.
• Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa assured Nigerians that rescue efforts are ongoing.
• Government pledged to strengthen school security through improved surveillance and emergency response systems.

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the incidents as tragic, disturbing, and completely unacceptable.

The condemnation was made by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, who assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of all the abducted students.

According to the minister, attacks targeting schools and innocent learners threaten the future of the country and undermine the government’s efforts to improve access to quality education nationwide.

He stressed that no child should live in fear or be exposed to violence while trying to acquire an education, adding that the safety and protection of students remain a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Government Assures Families of Rescue Efforts

Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government is working closely with security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

He noted that security operatives have intensified efforts in the affected communities, while the government continues to monitor developments surrounding the incidents.

The minister also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading false or unverified information capable of disrupting ongoing rescue operations.

The Education Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening security around schools across the country.

He explained that the government is improving surveillance systems, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, and fully implementing the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools to better protect students and educational institutions.

According to him, the administration remains determined to prevent further attacks on schools and create a safer learning environment for children in all parts of Nigeria.

The Federal Ministry of Education further expressed sympathy and solidarity with the affected families, as well as the governments and residents of Oyo and Borno states.