Falz, activists threaten nationwide protest over 81 abducted schoolchildren

Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has joined civil society organisations in condemning the continued abduction of schoolchildren across parts of Nigeria, warning that they may mobilise nationwide protests if urgent steps are not taken to secure their release.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day, Falz and other activists accused the Federal Government of failing to effectively respond to recurring school kidnappings, alleging that at least 81 children remain in captivity.

The statement, also signed by Hassan Soweto of the #EndBadGovernanceMovement and 13 other activists, said the victims include 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.

The group further alleged that one of the abducted teachers, Mr Oyedokun Olugbade, was killed by his captors.

They also stated that 42 additional schoolchildren were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during an attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The activists described the situation as alarming, questioning government efforts and insisting that security agencies have the capacity to track and rescue the victims if properly deployed.

They also criticised what they described as misplaced priorities, arguing that political activities were being prioritised over national security concerns.

According to the statement, “no fewer than 81 Nigerian schoolchildren are languishing in captivity,” adding that the government must urgently account for efforts being made to rescue them.

The coalition drew comparisons with the 2014 Chibok abduction, saying successive governments have continued to struggle with mass school kidnappings.

They called on Nigerians, labour unions, youth groups, and civil society organisations to embark on peaceful nationwide protests demanding the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and improved security across the country.

Other signatories include Mike Igaga of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Rufus Olusesan of PERESSA, and other advocacy representatives.