The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has prompted an uproar among Nigerian celebrities, religious figures, and commentators about insecurity, the government, and the role of prayer in times of crisis.
Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori shared a video earlier this week urging Nigerians to continue praying for the country and expressing confidence that the Federal Government, security agencies, and President Bola Tinubu were working to rescue the victims and address insecurity.
However, her remarks quickly drew criticisms from many Nigerians who argued that prayer alone could not resolve the country’s security challenges. Some parents and social media users said the comments appeared insensitive to families affected by the abduction.
In response to the backlash on Wednesday, June 3, Alaseyori issued a public apology in a video posted on Instagram.
“I am sorry. I beg in God’s name. Please, forgive me. I would never think like that. Pardon and forgive me,” she said, adding that she never intended to make Nigerians feel that their concerns were being ignored.
The controversy soon attracted reactions from other public figures.
Gospel singer Victoria Orenze challenged the view that the government’s efforts should be praised. She criticized ministers and church members whom she accused of using religion for personal interests.
“Which government is working? The Nigerian government, politicians, and leaders have failed Nigeria and Nigerians. Period,” Orenze said.
She also questioned those who defend government performance while citizens continue to face insecurity and hardship, adding that some people describe a government as successful only when they personally benefit from it.
Writer and social commentator Solomon Buchi also criticized Alaseyori’s initial remarks, calling for greater accountability from public officials in responding to the crisis.
Nollywood actress and producer Mary Remmy Njoku used the moment to draw attention to other governance issues. In a social media post on Wednesday, June 3, she wrote:
“You cannot pray away the bandits who are terrorizing our lives.”
She added that problems such as insecurity, poor roads, weak healthcare systems and economic hardship require “planning, accountability, and hard work” alongside prayer.
Musician Seun Kuti took a different approach, questioning the effectiveness of online outrage campaigns. Referring to the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, he argued that social media activism alone had not delivered lasting solutions.
“We don do bring back our girls, dem no bring them back,” Kuti said in a video shared on Instagram.
According to him, Nigerians should think beyond making videos online and consider more effective forms of civic engagement.
The national mood surrounding the Oyo school children’s abduction also affected celebrities who were not directly commenting on the incident. Singer Tems faced criticism after announcing the release of the music video for ‘ What You Need ‘. Some social media users accused her of being disconnected from the concerns of ordinary Nigerians, though she had not responded publicly to the criticism at the time of reporting.
The schoolchildren have yet to be rescued or released.
