As Nigeria observed Children’s Day on Wednesday, grief and outrage dominated social media, with citizens demanding decisive action over abducted children across the country.
The latest crisis involves dozens of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, just days before the celebration.
Former Minister of Education and Transparency International co-founder, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, led calls for accountability, publishing an open letter urging President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the National Assembly to prioritise action over “ghost-written platitudes.”
“Do not dare stand in front of cameras to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day’ while millions remain abandoned, betrayed, and condemned to suffering,” Ezekwesili wrote on X. She highlighted the plight of at least 1,799 students kidnapped in major abduction cases since Chibok, alongside 670 children affected by other incidents in less than two years.
Her message resonated widely online. Broadcaster Oseni Rufai lamented, “Children’s Day and children are in kidnappers’ den,” while social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa dedicated the day to children living in fear.
Users urged the government and military to intensify efforts for the safe return of abducted pupils, with many emphasising that the nation must ensure safety and protection for all children.
