NIGERIA was shrouded in gloom as it marked the 2026 Children’s Day on May 27.
A day meant to celebrate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, nurture their creativity, strengthen their dreams, and prepare them for the future, was instead overshadowed by mourning, fear, and despair.
As children across the country celebrated, 88 of their peers remained in captivity, abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states on May 15.
On that day, Boko Haram terrorists stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and kidnapped 42 students and pupils.
While Borno reeled from the attack, gunmen struck in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, invading Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, abducting 46 children and teachers, including toddlers.
