Veteran Nollywood actress Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, has faced a wave of mixed reactions after sharing an emotional video pleading with the Nigerian government to rescue victims abducted from schools in Oyo State. The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved terrorists who kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers, including very young toddlers, leaving families in anguish.
Emotional Appeal Draws Criticism
In a video posted on her Instagram page on June 1, 2026, Mama Rainbow appeared visibly distressed, tears streaming down her face as she begged for urgent government intervention. She highlighted that families have been praying without seeing any positive results and stressed that the situation has dragged on for too long.
“Please our government, we beg you, please help us rescue the kidnap victims. Two-year-old and three-year-old kids are among them. We are praying endlessly but nothing positive is happening. This is taking too long than usual. Please consider us,” she said.
She accompanied the video with a lengthy caption describing the fear and sorrow Nigerians endure daily. She lamented that killings, kidnappings, terrorism, and banditry have torn families apart, leaving mothers to bury their children and communities to live in silence.
“Nigeria is bleeding. Every day, innocent citizens wake up with fear instead of hope. Families are torn apart by killings, kidnappings, terrorism, banditry, and violence that continue to spread across the nation. Mothers are burying their children. Children are growing up without parents. Communities are living in silence because they no longer feel protected,” she wrote.
Mixed Reactions from Social Media Users
However, the post ignited a firestorm of comments, with many netizens criticizing her for showing emotions after attending the colorful Ojude Oba festival just days earlier. Some accused her of hypocrisy, while others praised her courage for speaking out at such a painful time.
User @mustergen2_ commented: “After our gra ma don attend ojude Oba festival hmmm is welll.” @funmisade20 added: “Mama medicine after death. After your OJUDE OBA celebration mama, Koda oo.” @tolanrewaju1 wrote: “Abeg mama... Go back to ur ojude oba, I hate nonsense, Yeyebrity everywhere... Crocodile tears.”
On the other hand, some users supported her. @muyimastermixer_mm said: “Maaaaami thank you for voicing out ma.” @motunrayo_wuraola expressed: “The amount of tears some of us have shed since this kidnapping ehn I can't even sleep.”
Mama Rainbow's Previous Comments on Marriage
In a previous report, Mama Rainbow vowed never to remarry after the death of her husband in 1984. The 83-year-old actress revealed during a chat with Bimpe Akintunde that a suitor ran away after seeing her 11 children. She stated that the painful encounter made her realize her children would be her lifelong responsibility.
