Nigerian entertainers have strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the country. Their reactions followed renewed public outrage over the safety of children in schools and communities, amid rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across the nation.
Entertainers Speak Out
The entertainers, in separate social media posts, criticized the government's response to the security crisis and called for urgent action. Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede, in an Instagram post on Friday, stated that the government had failed to show enough concern for citizens affected by insecurity. She wrote, "Nigeria government lacks a sense of humanity. @Asiwajubat @officialoluremitinubu Nigerians are not doormats nor people you just prey on. Crimes happen everywhere in the world, it is the fact that Nigerians know that no one will ever come looking for them is the issue. These atrocities have not been tribal, religious nor class-based."
Children's Day Outcry
Her comments came days after several entertainers used Children's Day to draw attention to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and the growing insecurity across the country. Singer Spyro was among the celebrities who called for urgent action, urging political leaders, religious figures and influential Nigerians to speak up on the issue. In a post shared before Children's Day, he wrote, "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."
Spyro also urged Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders and encouraged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards as part of efforts to drive change.
Falz and Others React
Rapper and actor Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana, also lamented the insecurity situation, saying many families could not celebrate Children's Day with their loved ones. Speaking in a video posted online, 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 also criticized politicians for focusing on the 2027 elections while insecurity continued to worsen.
Actress BamBam expressed concern over the situation, 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 video, she questioned the country's response to repeated abductions. "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.
More Voices
Content creator Kie Kie, whose real name is Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, also prayed for the safe return of the abducted children. "It's Children's Day, but the children are not here," she said. 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 called on Nigerians to stop remaining silent in the face of insecurity. "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. According to her, the crisis persisted because Nigerians were "not angry enough."
Actress Ruth Kadiri also shared her frustration, writing, "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."
National Emergency
Actor Kunle Remi described the situation as a national emergency. "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!" he wrote. In a follow-up 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."
Jegede, in a separate post, further criticized the country's leadership. "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."
She also wrote, "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 said, "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."
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwo also joined the conversation, 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?"
