The usual joy of Children's Day was replaced with heavy sorrow this year after innocent pupils and teachers were brutally abducted by terrorists in Oyo State. Instead of sharing happy festive wishes, top entertainers like Falz, Patience Ozokwo, and Femi Branch used their platforms to drag the government and demand urgent rescue operations. From questioning the military to expressing severe heartbreak over viral torture videos, Legit.ng compiled 10 Nigerian celebrities who penned sorrowful messages to mark the day.
Patience Ozokwo Questions the Nation's Silence
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo expressed profound grief over the tragic situation. Taking to her Instagram page, she questioned how the nation could celebrate while innocent children were missing. The respected actress said she wondered how children became prime targets for terrorists and why society remains quiet. She emphasised that the narrative will never change if citizens refuse to speak up, sending her heartfelt thoughts to the devastated parents.
Rapper Falz Calls Out the Government
Popular rapper and actor Folarin Falana, better known as Falz The Bahd Guy, released a highly emotional video condemning the horrific abduction. He noted that nursery and primary school children were subjected to heavy torture on camera. The rapper criticised the government for dragging their feet and prioritising political campaigns over human lives. Reminding citizens that kidnappers are growing richer from ransom payments, Falz insisted that keeping quiet is not the answer while Nigerians battle for survival.
Biola Bayo Begs President Tinubu for Help
Nollywood actress Biola Bayo could not hide her frustration over the prolonged captivity of the victims. She questioned if the abducted children are still the leaders of tomorrow when their safety cannot be guaranteed. Biola directed a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu, begging him to intervene and bring the teachers and students home. Mourning the fact that leaders are focused on elections while families cry helplessly, she reiterated her strong belief in a better Nigeria.
Lateef Adedimeji Challenges the Authorities
Actor Lateef Adedimeji penned a thought-provoking message reminding everyone of the harsh reality faced by the victims' families. Speaking from the perspective of a father, he noted that many parents spent the day in severe pain. Lateef boldly challenged the authorities, asking if the current insecurity was what they promised Nigerians. He urged the government to show humanity and take immediate, honourable steps to rescue the innocent kids from the kidnappers' den.
Ruth Kadiri Points Out the Loss of Safety
Actress Ruth Kadiri expressed heavy heartbreak over how unsafe the country has become. She pointed out the sad irony of people being told to stay and build the nation when their homes are no longer secure. Ruth described the mass abduction right before people's eyes as every mother's worst nightmare. Recalling past victims, she warned those who feel safe that no one is immune to the terror, insisting that a better Nigeria is all citizens seek.
Eniola Badmus Stands in Firm Solidarity
Actress Eniola Badmus stood in strong solidarity with the 46 abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinele. She noted that Children's Day is meant for safety and joy, not for children being stolen directly from their classrooms. Sending her thoughts to the traumatised families, Eniola Badmus prayed to Almighty Allah for the safe and healthy return of the victims, showing her support during the agonising wait.
Femi Branch Questions the Nigerian Army
Veteran actor Femi Branch dropped a fiery Instagram video questioning how anyone could wish others a happy Children's Day. Speaking as a parent, he expressed horror over the viral videos showing the severe torture of the kids. Femi Branch challenged the Nigerian Army, wondering if local terrorists are now more powerful than the elite forces that once fought in ECOMOG. He made a desperate plea to both President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to rescue the children.
Mercy Eke Prays for the Victims
Reality TV star Mercy Eke sent an emotional message to the innocent children who should have been at home playing and living freely. She noted that no child deserves to endure such agonising pain or live in captivity. Mercy reminded the government and security agencies of their core duty to protect the younger generation, praying fervently for the safe return of the kids to their families.
Kehinde Bankole Demands a Lasting Solution
Actress Kehinde Bankole reflected on the painful cycle of mass kidnappings in Nigeria. Recalling the infamous Chibok girls incident, she lamented that the country is back to experiencing Children's Day without children being safe. Kehinde declared that citizens will not stay quiet, demanding that the government fulfil its primary duty to the people. She insisted that finding a lasting solution to the severe insecurity must become the nation's biggest and most urgent agenda.
Sotayo Gaga Warns Nigerians to Be Careful
Nollywood star Sotayo Gaga admitted she could not bring herself to wish anyone a happy Children's Day. Noting that the pain faced by the abducted kids is severely traumatising, the actress questioned if the masses' voices are loud enough for the president to hear. Sotayo warned her followers to be extremely careful of their surroundings and movements, emphasising that the brutal reality of kidnapping can happen to anyone in the country.
