Veteran actress Idowu "Iya Rainbow" Phillips and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) have added their voices to the growing demand for the immediate release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State. The call comes amid rising insecurity across Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Details of the Abduction
Gunmen abducted approximately 32 individuals from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Tragically, one of the victims, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded while in captivity.
Iya Rainbow's Reaction
In a video posted on her Instagram page on Monday, the 83-year-old actress expressed frustration over what she described as the government's lukewarm response to the situation. She said the authorities appeared to lack sufficient concern. The Ogun-born actress noted that despite continuous prayers, the situation had worsened and was taking longer than expected.
"Please, our government, we are begging you to help us find solutions to the issue of the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State. What offence have these innocent two and three-year-old children committed? Please make this matter a priority, and may God help you. We are pleading with you to act urgently on this issue," she said.
She added: "Nigeria is bleeding. Every day, innocent citizens wake up in fear rather than 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."
Promises Without Results
Iya Rainbow criticized the Tinubu administration for ignoring public outcry over the abducted teachers and pupils. She emphasized that leadership is about responsibility, not just power. "The first duty of any government is to protect lives and restore peace. Nigerians are not asking for miracles; they are asking for safety, justice, accountability, and action. Listen to the cries from villages, towns, and cities. Listen to the students who are afraid to go to school, the farmers who are afraid to enter their farms. The travellers are afraid to use the roads, and the families are praying every night for kidnapped loved ones to return home alive. Enough of promises without results. Enough of silence while blood is shed. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, and every life matters. The people deserve a country where they can live freely without fear. This is the time for unity, courage, and decisive action — not politics as usual," she stated.
She further warned that history would remember leaders not for their speeches, but for their response when the nation is in pain. "Nigeria must heal. Nigeria must rise. Nigeria must live."
TAMPAN's Statement
In a statement signed by its president, Bolaji "Mr Latin" Amusan, and posted on Instagram on Monday, TAMPAN urged the government to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers. "TAMPAN joins concerned Nigerians in calling on all relevant authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe and immediate return of the abducted children and their teachers. Every child deserves a safe environment to learn, and every educator deserves protection while shaping the future. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and pray for their swift rescue," Mr Latin said.
Earlier Reactions from Entertainers
This newspaper previously reported that actors and musicians, including Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Olumide "ID Cabasa" Ogunade, and David "Davido" Adeleke, expressed sorrow that Nigerians had become desensitized to violence. They questioned which locations and individuals remain safe under Tinubu's administration and called for divine intervention for the captives' safe return.
