By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba state Government has express deep concern over the unfortunate incident on children recently abducted in Oyo state and prayed for the safety and speedy release of the abducted children and teachers.
The Commissioner for Women and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen stated this on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026 during commemoration of the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Jalingo.
She said, “We stand in solidarity children recently abducted in Oyo state. Our hearts are with them.
“We stand in solidarity with families and pray fervently for their safe and immediate release.
She appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for his sustained commitment to the security of children and the protection of lives and property across Taraba State.
Hon. Sinjen reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Agbu Kefas administration to child protection, welfare, and development, stressing that the safety and well-being of children remain a top priority of government.
In her remarks, Taraba First Lady, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, represented by Mrs. Dorathy Faransa, said the Children’s Day commemoration was not only a celebration of children but also a moment of reflection, compassion, and collective responsibility toward ensuring the safety and future of every child.
She also commended the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Mary Jandora Sinjen, for her commitment and dedication in bringing children together for a moment of solidarity, compassion, and prayer.
As Taraba joined the rest of the nation to celebrate Children’s Day, prayers were offered for the freedom and safe return of the Oyo kidnap victims, with renewed hope that they will soon reunite with their families.
Recall that Ogbomoso Land, Oyo State, school children were kidnapped.
According to source, the number of teachers missing/kidnapped were 7 (Seven) and students were missing/Kidnapped.
The affected schools include :
- Community High School Ahoro-Esinele
- Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
The following teachers were reportedly abducted:
Mrs Alamu FOLAWE – Principal, Community High School, Mr Ojo JONATHAN – Vice Principal, Mr Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher, Mr John OLALEYE – Teacher, Mr Michael OYEDOKUN – Teacher(beheaded), Mrs OLADEJI – Teacher and Mary AKANBI – Teacher,
The underlisted students/pupils were also abducted from different communities within Oriire Local Government, Ogbomoso Oyo State,
Ahoro-Esinele Community,
Rashida TAJUDEEN – 11 years, Ahmed RAMONI – 8 years, Abdulsalam TOYIB – 4 years, Baraka ABIOYE – 16 years, Fatimo JIMOH – 15 years, Hassan AZEEZ – 14 years and Joshua ADELEKE – 13 years
Yawota Community,
Samuel OYEDELE – 7 years
Emmanuel OYEDELE – 4 years, Idowu TAIWO – 4 years, Christianah AKANBI – 2 years, Juwon SUNDAY – 7 years, Sikiru SALAMI – 3 years, Soliu SALAMI – 4 years, Ojo JOSEPH – 8 years, Lydia ADEWOLE – 8 years, Testimony JACOB – 5 years, Kehinde KAOSARA – 7 years, Sewa SEYI – 7 years, Waliya BELLO – 4 years, Lydia OLOHUNLOLUWA – 7 years
Damilare ODERINDE – 8 years, Deborah ADEBOWALE – 5 years
Aisha OGUNTOWO – 10 years, Lege TAIWO – 12 years, Balkis AYANWALE – 8 years, Asa David – 10 years, Oniya Community
Shuaibu ALIYU – 10 years
Ahmed ALIYU – 7 years
Muiz ALIYU – 5 years
Jomiloju OGUNLOLA – 6 years
Alawusa Community
Agune NOAH – 8 years
Elizabeth ABADI – 5 years
Tosin ABADI – 9 years
Pius STEPHEN – 5 years
Hannah OJO – 14 years
Habidat AYANWALE – 7 years, Mary GABRIEL – 6 years, Jacob GABRIEL
Teachers 7
Students 39
