Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed strong solidarity with Oyo State over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ogbomoso area, assuring that the federal government and security agencies are mobilising every available resource to secure the victims’ safe return.
The Lagos State governor also mourned the killing of two teachers during the attack, insisting that the country cannot celebrate Children’s Day meaningfully while innocent pupils and educators remain in captivity.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Friday through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during the annual Children’s Day parade held at the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos.
Describing the incident as tragic and painful, the governor recalled that gunmen invaded three schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State earlier this month, killing two teachers, including one reportedly murdered while in captivity.
“We strongly stand and grieve with the families of the victims, with Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire people of Oyo State. Please be assured that we stand firmly with you at this time,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stated that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the remaining captives, expressing optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges.
Reflecting on the 2026 Children’s Day theme, “Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,” the governor warned against reducing the message to a ceremonial slogan, stressing that repeated attacks on schools exposed the nation’s failure to adequately protect children.
He insisted that Ogbomoso must not become another symbol of mass school abductions in Nigeria, referencing previous incidents in Chibok, Kagara and Kankara.
According to him, there is an urgent need for the implementation of a fully funded and coordinated national school safety framework capable of guaranteeing the safety of children and teachers across the country.
“The children of Ogbomoso are no less Nigerian than the children of Lagos,” the governor stated, adding that protecting schools must remain a collective national responsibility.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education in Lagos and strengthening child protection policies.
He commended teachers for their dedication despite difficult working conditions and urged parents to continue instilling strong moral values in their children.
Addressing Nigerian children directly, the governor encouraged them not to allow fear to derail their education and aspirations.
“You deserve to learn without fear, you deserve teachers who are safe, and you deserve a country that protects your rights—not in theory, but in practice,” he said.
“Knowledge is the one thing no criminal can take from you. Keep learning, keep reaching forth. The duty to make you safe and secure is ours as a government, and we accept it.”
Sanwo-Olu further praised the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education alongside relevant agencies for their efforts toward improving educational standards in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, reiterated the government’s commitment to student-focused policies and safe learning environments.
He explained that activities marking the Children’s Day celebration included youth forums, cultural displays, debate competitions and thanksgiving services, culminating in Friday’s parade.
Alli-Balogun urged children to dream big and speak up for their rights, while also encouraging parents, teachers and guardians to renew their commitment to protecting and investing in future generations.
The event featured colourful parades by students drawn from the six education districts in Lagos, including children with special needs, as well as the symbolic enrolment of Primary One pupils for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
