President Bola Tinubu has faced widespread criticism after releasing his Children's Day statement late at night, amid growing public outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. The statement was issued at 10:17 pm on Tuesday, drawing sharp reactions from Nigerians who argued that the timing reflected a government that only responds to public pressure rather than governing proactively.
The statement came hours after former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili issued a widely-shared three-part warning on social media, telling Tinubu and the entire political class that they had "no moral standing" to celebrate Children's Day given the state of insecurity facing Nigerian children. Teachers in Oyo State had protested the abduction of seven colleagues during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Several other prominent Nigerians, including content creator Kie Kie and singer Tiwa Savage, also posted videos and messages drawing attention to the abducted children.
Criticism Over Timing
Many critics noted that the speech arrived only after public outrage had reached a peak, and that much of the president's communication in recent weeks had focused on political activity rather than the security crisis. Citizens expressed the sentiment that a statement does not bring children home, repeating this message online.
What the Speech Contained
In the statement, Tinubu acknowledged that children and teachers from Oyo and Borno remain in captivity, describing himself as speaking "as a father and your President." He said, "You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned," addressing the families of abducted children. He stated that security agencies have been directed to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen school protection measures. He ordered the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas, including updated school vulnerability mapping and rapid response links between schools and local security units. He also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to deepen implementation of the Safe Schools framework, and called on communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and transport unions to share information with security agencies before attacks occur rather than after.
Background of the Abductions
The speech came nearly two weeks after one of the boldest school attacks recorded in south-west Nigeria. On May 15, gunmen raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State: Community High School Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, abducting dozens of pupils, students, and teachers. Among those killed during the attack was mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers. Official figures indicate that 18 primary school pupils, seven secondary school students, and seven teachers remain in captivity, though community leaders say the actual number is higher.
The attack revived painful memories of earlier mass abductions in Chibok, Kankara, and Buni Yadi, and triggered growing demands for a direct presidential response, which went unanswered for nearly two weeks.
