Several Nigerian celebrities have taken to social media to condemn the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing this year’s Children’s Day celebration as painful and deeply troubling.
Popular entertainers including Toke Makinwa, Paul Okoye, Ruth Kadiri, Patience Ozokwor, Mercy Eke, Tayo Sobola and Chiwetalu Agu joined growing calls demanding the safe return of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
The celebrities reacted after reports emerged that armed attackers abducted students and teachers during attacks on schools in Oyo State.
Using the hashtag “#BringBackOurStudents,” many of the stars expressed fears over rising insecurity and questioned how children could still be unsafe in schools and communities.
Actress Ruth Kadiri said Nigerians now live in fear and uncertainty, adding that families can no longer feel secure in their own country.
Singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, described the celebration simply as an “unhappy Children’s Day.”
Media personality Toke Makinwa shared a brief emotional message online, praying for the safety of children affected by the tragedy.
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor also lamented the situation, saying the pain was not limited to the affected families alone but had become a national tragedy.
Reality TV star Mercy Eke questioned whether children in Nigeria are truly safe or happy, stressing that no child deserves to experience fear, violence or captivity.
Actress Tayo Sobola urged Nigerians to remain alert and careful because insecurity could affect anyone at any time.
Actress Kehinde Bankole compared the latest abduction to the Chibok girls’ incident, saying Nigerians cannot genuinely celebrate Children’s Day while children continue to disappear through kidnappings.
Veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu also criticised the worsening security situation, asking why attacks on schools and communities continue despite repeated public outrage.
He called on the government and security agencies to take stronger action to rescue the victims and prevent future attacks on innocent children and teachers.