British-Nigerian rapper Skepta has drawn widespread attention after sharing a video showing a Nigerian woman angrily calling out President Bola Tinubu over the worsening insecurity in the country, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State. The incident, which occurred around May 15 near Ogbomoso, involved the kidnapping of 39 pupils and seven teachers by armed men dressed in military-style camouflage.
The captives were reportedly taken from schools in the area and forced into nearby forests, where families and community members say they have remained in harsh conditions weeks after the attack. As of May 30, no official confirmation has been given that the victims have been released.
In the viral clip shared by Skepta on social media, the unidentified woman is seen speaking emotionally and directly criticising the federal government’s handling of security, demanding urgent action and accountability. Her remarks reflect growing frustration among residents in affected communities across Oyo State.
Abduction deepens insecurity concerns in Oyo communities
Local reports indicate that the attackers stormed the school environment in the early hours, creating panic among students and staff. Eyewitness accounts suggest the gunmen operated with coordination, herding frightened pupils into the surrounding forest. During a failed rescue attempt, one teacher was reportedly killed, further intensifying public anger.
A school principal identified as Mrs. Alamu Folawe was said to have appeared in a distressing video shortly after the abduction, pleading with authorities to consider negotiation in order to secure the safe return of the captives. The emotional appeal has since circulated widely online, adding pressure on security agencies.
“The children cannot survive much longer under these conditions. We are begging the authorities to act fast,” she was quoted as saying in the footage, according to local sources familiar with the situation.
Schools shut down as protests spread
In response to the incident, teachers in the affected region staged protests and temporarily shut down several schools, citing safety concerns. The move has disrupted academic activities and heightened fears among parents, many of whom are now reconsidering sending their children to school.
Community leaders have also called for increased security presence in rural parts of Oyo State, where schools are often seen as vulnerable targets due to limited protection.
Security analysts say the attack reflects a broader pattern of school kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups continue to exploit gaps in surveillance and response time.
Celebrity spotlight adds pressure on authorities
Skepta’s decision to share the video has amplified international attention on the crisis, with many social media users praising him for using his platform to highlight the situation. Others have urged more public figures to speak out about insecurity in Nigeria.
The incident has once again placed Nigeria’s security challenges under global scrutiny, particularly the recurring threat of mass school abductions in northern and southwestern regions.
While authorities have not released updated details on rescue operations, public pressure continues to mount as families wait anxiously for news of their missing children and teachers.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, with communities in Oyo State calling for swift intervention and concrete action to ensure the safe return of all 46 abducted victims.