While many Nigerian families marked Children’s Day with celebrations, photos and messages about hope for the future, dozens of schoolchildren across the country reportedly spent the day inside terrorists’ captivity.
That reality has now triggered outrage from rapper and activist Falz alongside several civil society organisations, who accused the Nigerian government of failing to urgently rescue abducted children still being held by armed groups.
In a strongly worded statement released after the Children’s Day celebration, the groups claimed at least 81 schoolchildren remain in captivity following separate attacks linked to terrorists and suspected Boko Haram militants.
According to them, 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted from schools in Oyo State, while another 42 children were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on a school in Borno State.
One of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade, was reportedly killed days after the incident.
The activists questioned why the government appears unable to locate the children despite the country’s growing surveillance and security capabilities.
They argued that while ordinary Nigerians are constantly monitored by security agencies, authorities somehow continue struggling to track down armed groups operating openly across parts of the country.
The statement also compared the current situation to the Chibok girls crisis under former President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming the country is once again witnessing delayed responses and political distraction while innocent children remain missing.
The groups further criticised political leaders for focusing heavily on party primaries and election preparations while insecurity continues affecting communities nationwide.
According to them, a government that cannot protect lives loses moral credibility asking citizens for political support during elections.
The statement did not stop at criticism alone.
The coalition also called on Nigerians, labour unions, youths and civil society groups to begin peaceful nationwide protests demanding the rescue of abducted citizens and stronger action against insecurity.
Beyond Falz, other signatories included activists and civil society figures linked to the #EndBadGovernance movement and allied organisations.
As reactions continue online, many Nigerians are once again revisiting painful memories of previous mass abductions involving schoolchildren across different parts of the country — incidents that have repeatedly placed Nigeria at the center of global conversations around insecurity and child safety.
