As Nigeria marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration on Wednesday, growing concerns over insecurity and the plight of children held captive by kidnappers overshadowed the occasion across parts of the country.
A message circulating on social media captured the mood of many Nigerians, stating: “As Children’s Day is being celebrated while some are in captivity, my utmost cry is that God will deliver them and heal Nigeria as well.”
The statement reflects increasing public anxiety over recent attacks on schools and the rising number of child abductions in the country.
Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27, is set aside to promote the welfare, rights, and protection of children. This year’s national theme is “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
However, the celebration comes amid renewed outrage over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Armed attackers reportedly stormed schools in the area on May 15, kidnapping dozens of children and educators, while at least one teacher was killed during the attack.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in a Children’s Day message, expressed solidarity with affected families and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
Religious leaders, civil society groups, and public figures also used the occasion to call for urgent action to protect Nigerian children from violence, kidnapping, trafficking, and abuse.
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili criticized the country’s leadership over worsening insecurity and poor living conditions affecting children, arguing that many Nigerian children remain exposed to danger, poverty, and limited access to education.
Similarly, ActionAid Nigeria described the continued captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State as a painful reminder of the insecurity confronting families nationwide.
The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Emmanuel Badejo, urged Nigerians to move beyond celebration and focus on concrete actions to support vulnerable children and secure the release of abducted victims.
Nigeria has witnessed repeated mass kidnappings of schoolchildren in recent years, with security experts warning that the trend continues to threaten education and child safety across
