By Odesola JF
“A nation that cannot protect its children is a nation that is gradually losing its soul.”
There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes a form of betrayal. This is one of those moments.
I write this with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes. Like millions of Nigerians, I am deeply troubled by the heartbreaking reports of more than 80 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo and Borno States. Beyond the headlines and statistics lies a painful truth: while those in power continue their political activities, ordinary families are living through nightmares, and innocent children are paying the price.
Nigeria once proudly wore the title of the “Giant of Africa.” Today, however, many citizens are asking a painful question: Can a nation truly be called great when its children are no longer safe?
As families marked Children’s Day with anxiety, fear, and unanswered prayers, Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora raised a united cry:
“Tinubu, Bring Back Our Children!”
This is not simply a political slogan.
It is the cry of parents whose children left home for school and never came back.
It is the cry of mothers who stare at their phones through sleepless nights, hoping for a call with good news.
It is the cry of fathers who feel helpless because they cannot protect those they love most.
It is the cry of a nation wounded by repeated tragedies.
A Tragedy We Must Never Accept as Normal
Reports indicate that on May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Oyo and Borno States.
In Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, three schools, including nursery and primary schools, were reportedly attacked. Children as young as two years old were taken alongside their teachers. One teacher reportedly lost his life during the attack.
In Borno State, another group of pupils was reportedly abducted from schools in Askira-Uba.
But beyond the figures are real human beings.
Behind every missing child is a name.
Behind every name is a family.
Behind every family is a story of pain.
Somewhere tonight, a mother is unable to sleep because she does not know where her child is.
Somewhere, a father is pretending to be strong while silently breaking inside.
Somewhere, brothers and sisters are asking questions that nobody can answer.
The photographs circulating on social media are not just images.
They are reminders that Nigeria’s future is being held hostage.
The Tragedy Is Not Just That It Happened
Perhaps the most painful part of all this is not that these kidnappings occur.
It is that they keep occurring.
Again and again.
Year after year.
Government after government.
Administration after administration.
The script never seems to change.
Children are abducted.
Leaders condemn the attack.
Security agencies promise action.
Politicians issue statements.
Citizens protest.
The news cycle moves on.
Then another community suffers the same tragedy.
Another family is shattered.
Another group of children disappears.
And the cycle begins all over again.
No nation should ever become comfortable with the kidnapping of its children.
Yet many Nigerians fear that we are dangerously close to accepting what should never be acceptable.
Leadership Must Feel the Pain of the People
One of the greatest problems facing Nigeria today is not simply corruption.
It is a growing disconnect between leaders and the people they govern.
Many political leaders live behind high walls and heavy security.
Their children attend some of the best schools in the world.
Their families receive world-class healthcare.
Their lives are protected by layers of security.
Meanwhile, the average Nigerian parent wakes up every morning wondering whether their child will return safely from school.
That contrast is painful.
And it raises difficult questions.
Why are public schools still vulnerable?
Why are ordinary citizens expected to live with fear while those in authority remain insulated from the consequences of insecurity?
Why must poor families choose between keeping their children safe and giving them an education?
Leadership was never meant to be a shield for the privileged.
Leadership is a responsibility.
Leadership means carrying the burden of the people.
Leadership means ensuring that every child matters—not only the children of the rich and powerful.
When Children’s Day Becomes a Day of Tears
Children’s Day should be a celebration.
A celebration of hope.
A celebration of dreams.
A celebration of the future.
But for many Nigerian families, Children’s Day this year became a day of sorrow and unanswered prayers.
How does a mother celebrate while her daughter remains in captivity?
How does a father smile during a school event when he does not know whether his son is alive?
How does a nation celebrate its future while failing to protect it?
These questions cannot be answered by speeches.
They cannot be answered by press releases.
They cannot be answered by promises.
They can only be answered by action.
The Price Nigeria Pays
The consequences of these kidnappings go far beyond the immediate victims.
Education Suffers
Fear is gradually replacing hope.
Many parents are becoming afraid to send their children to school.
Schools that should be full of laughter become empty.
Classrooms that should be filled with learning become silent.
Dreams begin to die before they have the chance to grow.
Poverty Deepens
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for escaping poverty.
When children cannot learn safely, poverty becomes a cycle passed from one generation to another.
Development Slows
Every kidnapped child represents a future teacher, doctor, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, or leader.
When children are taken, opportunities are taken.
When education is disrupted, national development suffers.
When children are kidnapped, the future itself is kidnapped.
Trust in Government Weakens
People begin to lose confidence in institutions.
Official assurances begin to sound hollow.
Hope turns into frustration.
Frustration turns into anger.
And anger eventually turns into distrust.
The Painful Echo of Chibok
For many Nigerians, these events bring back memories of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in 2014.
The world united behind the call:
“Bring Back Our Girls.”
Twelve years later, Nigerians are still crying:
“Bring Back Our Children.”
That fact alone should trouble every leader in this country.
How many more lessons must we learn?
How many more children must disappear?
How many more communities must be devastated before school security becomes a national priority?
No Nation Can Rise Above the Fear of Its Children
History teaches us that great nations invest in their children.
They protect them.
They educate them.
They nurture them.
They create environments where children can dream without fear.
Nigeria cannot genuinely claim greatness while children are being abducted on their way to school.
No political slogan can replace a missing child.
No economic statistics can comfort grieving parents.
No speech can restore stolen innocence.
The true measure of any government is not the number of promises it makes.
It is the number of lives it protects.
The Time for Action Is Now
The time for sympathy alone has passed.
Nigeria needs decisive action.
Schools must be secured.
Intelligence gathering must improve.
Security agencies must prevent attacks rather than merely respond to them.
Rural communities must receive greater protection and development.
Leaders at every level must be held accountable.
Most importantly, the protection of human life must rise above politics, party interests, and personal ambitions.
Nothing should matter more than the safety of Nigerian citizens, especially children.
History Is Watching
One day, future generations will look back at this period in our history.
They will not judge us by campaign posters.
They will not judge us by political speeches.
They will not judge us by official statements.
They will ask one simple question:
When Nigeria’s children cried for help, what did the nation do?
Did the leaders act?
Did they protect?
Did they rescue?
Or did they simply speak while families suffered?
A nation begins to decline when leaders place personal interests above public welfare.
A nation weakens when power becomes more important than people.
A nation loses its way when children become statistics instead of priorities.
The cry rising from Nigeria today is bigger than politics.
It is a cry for compassion.
It is a cry for responsibility.
It is a cry for justice.
It is a cry for the soul of our nation.
And until every abducted child returns safely home, Nigerians will continue to raise one united voice:
Bring Back Our Children.
Because no nation can truly rise while its children remain missing, afraid, and forgotten.
