Nigerian celebrities turned Children’s Day celebrations into a national cry for help as they expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Instead of festive posts, stars like Ruth Kadiri, Mercy Eke, Biola Bayo, and others shared painful messages highlighting the country’s worsening insecurity.
Gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting around 46 children and teachers. The incident has cast a dark shadow over Children’s Day on May 27, turning what should be a joyful occasion into one of grief and anger.
Ruth Kadiri delivered one of the most emotional messages:
“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. Every mother’s nightmare is here.”
Paul Okoye simply captioned pictures of the abducted children with:
“Unhappy Children’s Day.”
Sotayo Gaga declared:
“I can’t even say happy children’s day! Just because there’s honestly nothing to be happy about. The pains these abducted kids are facing are traumatising.”
She questioned if their voices were loud enough for the president to hear and urged Nigerians to be careful.
Mercy Eke echoed the national pain:
“Children’s Day; but are the children even SAFE or HAPPY? To the 51 innocent children who should be at home playing, laughing, and living freely, our hearts are with you… Please bring our kids home safely.”
Biola Bayo asked pointedly:
“ARE THESE CHILDREN STILL THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW?”
She called out leaders for focusing on elections while families mourned and pleaded:
“@officialasiwajubat, there must be something you can do, sir. We sincerely cry for help.”
Other stars including Patience Ozokwo, Kehinde Bankole, Olakunle Churchill, and Kiekie also voiced similar concerns, with Kiekie noting how the situation was “messing with my brain” as a mother.
The collective outcry reflects growing frustration over the government’s lackluster efforts concerning repeated insecurity challenges, especially school abductions, as families of the victims continue to await their safe return.