Nigerians on Wednesday launched the hashtag #BringBackOurStudents in response to the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, drawing comparisons to the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign that followed the 2014 kidnapping of 276 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State.
Celebrities, activists and social media users rejected goodwill messages from government officials marking Children’s Day and instead demanded urgent action to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers.
The campaign followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims remained in captivity during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Another group of pupils had earlier been kidnapped in Borno State.
Many Nigerians used the hashtag #BringBackOurStudents on X and Facebook to express concern over worsening insecurity and question the safety of children across the country.
In his Children’s Day message, President Bola Tinubu assured grieving families that his administration had intensified rescue operations, strengthened school security and provided support for survivors.
“As a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Tinubu said, addressing children, parents and teachers still in captivity in Oyo, Borno and other states.
He acknowledged the pain of affected families and pledged continued efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.
“To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony,” the president said. “We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely.”
Tinubu also directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-led rescue operations focused on recovering abducted children safely.
Speaking after Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the president urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence while condemning banditry and violent extremism.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” he said.
Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde also assured residents that the state government was working with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted students and staff.
Makinde, who spoke while receiving a Sallah delegation led by Deputy Gov. Bayo Lawal at his residence in Ibadan, described the abduction as painful and said all security measures had been activated to ensure the victims’ safe return.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in her Children’s Day message, urged Nigerian children to shape their future responsibly. However, critics faulted her for not directly addressing children held in captivity across the country.
Former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili, who led the 2014 Bring Back Our Girls campaign, criticized political leaders for celebrating Children’s Day while many children remained victims of insecurity.
In an open letter posted on X, Ezekwesili urged leaders not to issue what she described as “ghost-written platitudes.”
“Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day,’” she wrote.
Ezekwesili said government officials were dishonoring abducted schoolchildren and millions of vulnerable Nigerian children by celebrating without addressing their plight.
She cited figures showing at least 1,799 students had been abducted in major incidents since the Chibok kidnapping, while millions of children remained out of school because of insecurity, poverty and other factors.
Human rights activist Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as Just Adetoun, also called on the First Lady to intervene on behalf of abducted children.
Chess advocate Tunde Onakoya described the Oyo abduction as a national crisis and urged the government to deploy every available resource to rescue the children.
Several celebrities, including Toke Makinwa, Paul Okoye, Ruth Kadiri, Patience Ozokwor, Mercy Eke, Tayo Sobola and Chiwetalu Agu, also condemned the kidnappings and demanded the safe return of the victims.
Actress Kehinde Bankole said Nigeria could not celebrate Children’s Day while children continued to be abducted.
“We are calling on the government for the start of a long-lasting solution,” she wrote.
Patience Ozokwor described the celebration as painful for affected families and the nation, while Mercy Eke questioned whether children could truly feel safe or happy amid rising insecurity.
Ruth Kadiri lamented growing fear and uncertainty in the country, saying, “Home is no longer safe.”
Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, described the occasion as “unhappy children’s day.”
Chiwetalu Agu also criticized the government’s response to insecurity, calling for urgent action and accountability.
“The safety of citizens, especially children, should never be negotiable,” he said.
