As the world marked Children’s Day on May 27, several Nigerian celebrities used the occasion to express grief and outrage over the reported abduction of dozens of children in Oyo State.
Many stars took to their Instagram pages to share emotional messages, lamenting the insecurity in the country and calling for the safe return of the abducted children.
Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri decried the worsening state of insecurity, writing that fear and uncertainty have taken over the country.
“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,” she wrote.
Singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, reposted photos of the abducted children on his Instagram story with the caption, “Unhappy Children’s Day.”
Media personality Toke Makinwa also reacted briefly, posting, “On this Children’s Day. Dear God.”
Actress Sotayo Gaga said she could not bring herself to celebrate Children’s Day amid the disturbing incident.
“I can’t even say happy children’s day because there’s honestly nothing to be happy about. The pains these abducted kids are facing are traumatising,” she wrote, while urging Nigerians to stay vigilant and security conscious.
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwo described the day as a sad one for the nation, questioning how children could become targets while many remained silent.
“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,” she stated.
Reality TV star Mercy Eke also expressed concern over the safety and well-being of Nigerian children.
“Children’s Day; but are the children even SAFE or HAPPY? No child should ever have to endure or suffer this pain,” she wrote while calling on security agencies to ensure the children return home safely.
Actress Kehinde Bankole stressed that insecurity must become a major priority for the government.
“We will keep asking, we will not be quiet. The Nigerian Government has a duty to its people. We cannot say happy children’s day if all children are not safe and protected,” she wrote.
Actress Biola Bayo also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the government to intensify efforts in rescuing the victims.
“We can’t continue to pretend that all is well when nothing is actually well. It’s Children’s Day, some families are mourning while some are crying and helpless,” she wrote.
Businessman Olakunle Churchill, while celebrating children across the country, said his thoughts remained with the abducted children and their families.
“No parent should have to endure such anguish, and no child should be separated from the comfort and love of home,” he stated.
The emotional reactions from the celebrities have further amplified public concern over insecurity and the safety of children across the country.
