Entertainers cry out over school kids abduction

As Nigerians marked Children’s Day on May 27, the celebration was overshadowed by growing outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oyo State, as well as the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity across the country.

Disturbed by the recurring attacks on children and the seeming normalisation of tragedy, several entertainers took to social media to amplify calls for urgent action, using the occasion to highlight the plight of vulnerable Nigerians rather than join in the festivities.

Singer, Spyro, took to his page a day before Children’s Day to call out leaders in various capacities, including religious leaders, social influencers and celebrities with wide followings, urging them to speak up in a video.

He captioned the post, “This is not a vendetta against anyone, this is just a call to action as even the Bible says faith without works is dead.

“We have prayed enough; it’s time to act. I am a Jesus boy. I love God with all my heart, but right now we need to hold our leaders accountable; they are not above this. Please call out all your spiritual leaders, your celebrities and every single politician you know; we need them now. Evil prevails when the people keep quiet. @officialasiwajubat pls what is happening, your people need you sir.”

In another video, Spyro suggested ways influential individuals could sensitise the public on the issue of insecurity. According to him, celebrities and leaders should encourage their followers to speak up and demand change, beginning with obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards. He also called on the government to take decisive action.

Singer and rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, also lamented the situation, noting that although it was Children’s Day, many families had been deprived of the joy of celebrating with their children.

In a video posted on his social media pages, he said, “Over 40 people kidnapped in Oyo State, most of them children; nursery and primary school children. The last image they have is of them being tortured.”

He added that what made the situation even more painful was the seeming indifference of political leaders, who had continued campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections despite the growing insecurity.

Actress, BamBam, also took to her page, writing, “It’s too much… the children… the deaths… our hearts… Please comfort those who mourn and give us wisdom and strength to navigate all this… It’s too much, Lord; it’s just too much. We are not okay.”

In another emotional video post accompanied by a lengthy caption, she questioned the country’s response to the repeated kidnappings.

“So what are we going to do about it? We are all crying, making posts, and having AI create flyers for us. What are we going to do about it? What is the plan, guys? There was Chibok girls; there have been different versions of these abductions; now it’s the kids in Oyo State,” she said.

Social media influencer, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, also lent her voice to the conversation in a recent Instagram video.

“It’s Children’s Day, but the children are not here,” she said, while praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils. She added, “It will be a shame to have a repeat of the Chibok girls and watch ourselves get used to this.”

Actress and filmmaker, Iyabo Ojo, was among those who called on Nigerians to stop remaining silent.

“For how long are we going to allow these demons that call themselves bandits or terrorists to break into homes, villages and cities, take away our children, kill innocent souls, and destroy homes, families and property?” she asked.

She added that the problem persisted not only because the government was failing to act, but also because Nigerians were “not angry enough.” According to her, rather than borrowing from foreign countries, the government should seek the right machinery and expertise to combat terrorism effectively.

Actress, Ruth Kadiri, also expressed her frustration in a post that read, “There was once a country where people lived freely… now fear resides with us. Uncertainty lives amongst us. ‘Stay and build your country,’ they say. Stay where? Home is no longer safe. Home is no longer home.

“Our children are kidnapped right before our eyes. Every mother’s nightmare is here. You might say it cannot be me. Those mothers, teachers, students and NYSC members thought so too. A better Nigeria is what we seek.”

Actor, Kunle Remi, who has consistently spoken on national issues, wrote on Instagram, “State of emergency. Not Children’s Day. Not Sallah. Children are missing. This country cannot keep celebrating while families are searching for their children. Shut everything down!”

In the caption accompanying the post, he added, “To those who defend and stand by the government through everything, we wait for you in the future, which is tomorrow.

“To those in power who stay silent in times like this, when it reaches your doorstep, pardon our silence. And to those committing these atrocities, and the hands feeding them, do not mistake silence for escape. Nemesis does not forget addresses.”

Actress, Yvonne Jegede, also criticised the state of the nation, writing, “It is a shame to have such callousness rule a sovereign nation of over 240 million people. The sixth most populous nation, which means the labour force is there to your advantage, but they choose to enforce illiteracy and weaponise greed for their immediate families’ benefit.

“We are only asking that these children be brought back home. You people should have empathy; people get to their limits. When will you get to yours? Help stop this cry in this country. This is too much.”

In another post, she added, “I am not an economist, neither am I a political scientist. I am not an activist nor a freedom fighter, but I know that value added to life is every human being’s right.

“We are not even addressing hunger or bad policies. We are not talking about subsidies, lack of education, healthcare, or unemployment. It is kidnapping we are now addressing? As in kidnapping people? Banditry is now a pandemic in Nigeria? You people should be ashamed.”

Actress, Kehinde Bankole, also joined the calls, writing, “We cannot say Happy Children’s Day if children continue to be taken consistently. One time it was the Chibok girls; I even performed in a theatre production about their stories. Here we are again — Children’s Day without all children being safe and protected.”

In the caption, she added, “We will keep asking; we will not be quiet. The Nigerian Government has a duty to its people. We cannot say Happy Children’s Day if all children are not safe and protected. A lasting solution to insecurity must become one of the country’s biggest priorities.”

Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwo, shared her thoughts too, writing, “How sad this Children’s Day is, not only for the parents of these abducted children and teachers but for all of us as a nation.

“What can we do to change the narrative? How can they be brought back home safely? How are children being targeted and we remain silent? How will change happen if we remain silent?”

Others who have spoken on the issue include Mercy Eke and Biola Adebayo.