As Nigeria commemorated Children’s Day on Wednesday, nationwide celebrations were overshadowed by grief, anger, and renewed calls for urgent government intervention over the growing wave of child abductions across the country.
Public outrage intensified following the recent kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, barely two weeks before the annual celebration dedicated to children.
Across social media platforms, many Nigerians rejected the idea of celebration amid worsening insecurity, insisting that the safety and freedom of abducted children should take priority.
Former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, Obiageli Ezekwesili, led the criticism with a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, and members of the National Assembly.
In the letter shared on X, Ezekwesili cautioned political leaders against issuing what she described as “empty and ghost-written platitudes” to Nigerian children while thousands remain victims of insecurity, poverty, and neglect.
“Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day,’” she wrote, accusing leaders of abandoning vulnerable children across the country.
She referenced several school abduction incidents, including the recent Oyo kidnapping, as well as previous mass kidnappings dating back to the infamous Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.
According to Ezekwesili, at least 1,799 students have been kidnapped in major school abduction cases since Chibok, while nearly 19 million Nigerian children remain out of school due to insecurity, poverty, and cultural barriers.
The former minister also condemned what she called the government’s failure to address malnutrition, poor healthcare, illiteracy, and forced demolitions affecting millions of children nationwide.
Her comments quickly gained traction online, with several prominent Nigerians echoing similar concerns.
Broadcaster Oseni Rufai wrote on X, “Children’s Day and children are in kidnappers’ den.”
Social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa dedicated the day to kidnapped children and those living in fear.
“Children deserve safety. They deserve care. They deserve love from the country they call home. This can never become our new normal,” he stated.
Other Nigerians also used the occasion to sympathise with affected families and urge security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
Public affairs commentator Dipo Awojide called on the Armed Forces to sustain efforts against criminal groups terrorising communities.
Meanwhile, Instagram user Bigvai Jokotoye prayed for the safe return of all abducted children, stressing that many parents spent the day in tears instead of celebration.
The widespread reactions underscored growing public frustration over insecurity and renewed pressure on authorities to prioritise the protection of children across Nigeria.
