Several Nigerians on social media platform X on Wednesday lambasted Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, accusing her of insensitivity for celebrating Children’s Day without acknowledging children currently held captive by kidnappers across the country, particularly the ones recently kidnapped from Oyo schools.
The angry reactions followed a Children’s Day message released by the First Lady on May 27, 2026, where she extended goodwill messages to Nigerian children and urged them to focus on building a better future.
In her statement, Oluremi Tinubu said, “As we celebrate this year’s Children’s Day, I extend my well wishes and heartfelt love to every child across our great nation. 
“This year’s theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ reminds us that the future we desire for our children must begin today. Our children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are active participants in shaping our present.
“My message to children on this special day is to take ownership of today in a responsible and purposeful manner. The future you desire is shaped by the choices you make now. It is important to stay focused, make wise decisions, and use your time productively.
“A brighter tomorrow cannot be achieved by pursuing destructive or unrealistic paths, but by building your character, discipline, and a commitment to learning and growth.
“Happy Children’s Day to all our wonderful children!”
However, many Nigerians faulted the statement, accusing the First Lady of ignoring the painful reality facing several families whose children remain in captivity after being abducted by kidnappers and terrorists.
Critics described her message as disconnected from the suffering of many Nigerians, especially families whose children have been kidnapped in different parts of the country.
An X user, @Sirtimo20, questioned the First Lady’s silence over abducted children, writing, “What about those children in the hands of kidnappers?? No acknowledgement??”
Another X user, @roly_fame, accused the First Lady of lacking empathy. “You have just succeeded displaying your inhumanity by veiling your conscience from thinking about the kidnapped children. You and your husband are irredeemably wicked. Are you really a mother or a grotesque statue of the devil?” the X user wrote.
Also reacting, an X user identified as @neyostical described the First Lady as a “Mother of the Nation” who allegedly ignored children in captivity.
“‘Mother of the Nation’ whose children as low as 2-4 years old were abducted and tortured but she kept quiet and posted irrelevancies. Today she is wishing children she don’t care about ‘Happy Children’s Day’; IYA ALABOSI!!
“To these evil people, we are just numbers for votes,” the X user added.
Another critic, @UcheChukwe, said the country’s leadership appeared unconcerned about the plight of kidnapped children. “These ones don’t care. They either don’t know what’s happening in the country, or they do and simply act like it means nothing to them. “You’re celebrating Children’s Day while children are still in kidnappers’ hands. God forbid,” the X user wrote.
Similarly, @Onlyone4K_DJ accused the First Lady of failing to show empathy toward abducted children and their families.
“Empathy man, Empathy! Are we being rage baited? She no even acknowledge children wey dey captivity,” the X user posted.
The outrage comes amid growing public concern over insecurity and the rising cases of kidnappings involving children in different parts of Nigeria, with many citizens accusing government officials of failing to adequately address the worsening security crisis.
On May 15, 2026, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was thrown into chaos when heavily armed assailants stormed three schools, namely Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; First Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
The attackers unleashed violence, killing at least two teachers. One mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was slaughtered while in captivity, while another staff member, Joel Adeyisan, was killed during the raid itself.
The assault left the community devastated as reports confirmed that about 46 people were abducted, comprising seven teachers and 39 students.
It was previously reported the scale of the attack, stating that the principal of Community High School, Mrs Rachael Alamu Folawe, was among those kidnapped.
The incident has further heightened concerns over worsening insecurity and attacks on schools and rural communities across the country.
