Nigerians, including celebrities and activists, have renewed calls for decisive government action following fresh school abductions in Oyo State and earlier incidents in Borno State. Using the trending hashtag #BringBackOurStudents, many citizens rejected official goodwill messages marking the 2026 Children’s Day, insisting that such statements no longer reflect the harsh realities on ground.
The renewed campaign echoes the 2014 #BringBackOurGirls movement, sparked by the Chibok abduction, as concerns intensify over the safety of schoolchildren across the country.
The latest outrage comes after the kidnapping of 42 schoolchildren in Oyo State, alongside another group of 42 pupils earlier taken in Borno State. As Nigeria marked Children’s Day on May 27, attention was drawn to pupils and teachers from schools in Ori Ire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who have remained in captivity for over two weeks following their abduction on May 15.
While festivities continued nationwide, many Nigerians said the celebration felt hollow in the face of ongoing insecurity affecting children.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Children’s Day address, assured grieving families that the Federal Government was intensifying rescue operations and strengthening security around schools. He said no effort would be spared in ensuring the safe return of abducted children.
“You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” the President said, directly addressing affected families and victims.
Tinubu also noted that security agencies had been directed to sustain coordinated, intelligence-driven operations aimed at rescuing the children and bringing perpetrators to justice. He acknowledged the emotional toll on parents and communities, stressing that the government shares in their pain.
Following Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the President urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, love, and peaceful coexistence. He also condemned violent extremism, stating that banditry has no basis in religious teachings or national values
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also reassured residents that security agencies were working round the clock to secure the release of the abducted students. He said all necessary security mechanisms had been activated and urged citizens to remain calm while rescue operations continue.
Makinde described the incident as painful but insisted that the state would not relent until the victims are safely returned to their families.
In her Children’s Day message, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerian children to make responsible choices for a better future. However, critics noted that her message did not directly address the plight of abducted schoolchildren, a point that sparked further public debate online
Human rights activist and former minister Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a key figure in the original Chibok campaign, issued a strongly worded open letter to political leaders. She accused authorities of ignoring the scale of insecurity affecting Nigerian children and condemned what she described as “empty ceremonial messages” amid ongoing kidnappings.
She highlighted the large number of schoolchildren affected by abductions and insecurity, warning that millions remain out of school due to fear and instability.
Similarly, activist Adetoun Onajobi called on the First Lady to take a stronger stance, describing the situation as deeply distressing for families of victims.
Celebrities and public figures join campaign
Prominent Nigerians from entertainment and sports also expressed anger over the situation. Chess master Tunde Onakoya described the abduction as a national emergency, stressing that urgent action is needed to rescue the children.
Actors and entertainers including Toke Makinwa, Mercy Eke, Ruth Kadiri, Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), Patience Ozokwo, and Chiwetalu Agu also took to social media to demand the safe return of the victims, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
Veteran actress Kehinde Bankole reflected on past conflicts involving school abductions, while Patience Ozokwo described the 2026 Children’s Day as a painful reminder of national insecurity. Mercy Eke questioned whether children could truly celebrate while many remain in captivity.
Growing public frustration
Across social media platforms, Nigerians expressed frustration over what they perceive as a recurring failure to secure schools and protect vulnerable communities. Many users argued that Children’s Day celebrations feel insensitive when dozens of children are still missing.
Calls under #BringBackOurStudents continue to grow, with citizens demanding accountability, stronger security measures, and the immediate rescue of abducted pupils and teachers.
As the debate intensifies, many Nigerians say the real test for authorities is no longer in statements or promises, but in the safe return of every child still in captivity.