As Nigeria marked Children’s Day on Wednesday, many citizens used the occasion to demand urgent government action over the increasing number of abducted children across the country.
The renewed outrage followed the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, barely two weeks before the annual celebration.
Across social media platforms, several Nigerians expressed grief and frustration, arguing that the worsening insecurity affecting children made celebrations inappropriate.
Former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, Obiageli Ezekwesili, issued a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, state governors and members of the National Assembly.
In the post shared on X, Ezekwesili criticised political leaders for issuing ceremonial Children’s Day messages while many children remain victims of kidnapping, insecurity and poverty.
“Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day,’” she wrote.
She referenced several cases of school abductions, including the recent Oyo incident, while also highlighting statistics on out-of-school children and insecurity affecting education in Nigeria.
According to her, millions of Nigerian children continue to face threats from kidnappings, poor healthcare, malnutrition and lack of access to education.
Broadcaster Oseni Rufai also reacted on X, writing, “Children’s Day and children are in kidnappers’ den.”
Social media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa dedicated his Children’s Day message to abducted children and those living in fear due to insecurity.
“Today, Children’s Day is dedicated to the Ogbomoso children. To the children in the forests. To the children without safety, without protection,” he wrote.
Several other users echoed similar concerns, calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted children and improve security around schools and communities.
Some users also urged the Armed Forces and other security agencies to sustain operations against bandits and kidnappers operating across parts of the country.
The reactions come amid continued concerns over school kidnappings and child safety in Nigeria, with citizens demanding stronger measures to protect children and restore confidence in public safety.
