Nollywood actresses Opeyemi Aiyeola, Ruth Kadiri, and Yvonne Jegede have added their voices to growing public anger over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, following the brutal abduction of schoolchildren and the gruesome killing of a teacher in Oyo State.
The incident involved gunmen attacking schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils, students, and teachers. A Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly slaughtered by the abductors, with a disturbingly graphic video circulating online.
Opeyemi Aiyeola called for urgent public outcry and appealed to fellow celebrities and Nigerians with platforms to speak up against the recurring abductions and violence in Oyo State. She stressed the need for collective action to pressure authorities for lasting solutions.
“This video is just to call the attention of well-influential colleagues with the platform, the connection and the voice, to please lend a voice to the masses.”
Yvonne Jegede reacted emotionally to the trending video of the slaughtered teacher.
“It is sad that when I look at the news, it looks like it is only a certain group of people that are complaining when it is supposed to be ALL OF US. This is inhumane in a country where we don’t have ambulances, toll-free numbers, or proper healthcare facilities. I am worried why we are not all standing against this. Are we now ok with this? Nigerians, is this the new standard?”
Ruth Kadiri took a direct approach by writing an open letter to President Bola Tinubu.
“Dear President Tinubu, please do something, or give us the go-ahead to protect our lives and properties. Too much death everywhere. Being a Nigerian is not even safe at home anymore.”
Kadiri lamented the loss of innocent lives:
“Too many innocent lives are paying for sins they know nothing about.”
These reactions reflect widespread frustration among celebrities and ordinary citizens over frequent kidnappings, killings, and the government’s perceived inability to curb the violence. The Oyo incident has sparked protests by teachers, school closures in affected areas, and panic among parents who fear for their children’s safety.