First Lady Remi Tinubu, on Wednesday, extended her “well wishes and heartfelt love” to all the children in Nigeria, in a message that didn’t explicitly acknowledge the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren including toddlers from communities in Oyo State. 

“My message to children on this special day is to take ownership of today in a responsible and purposeful manner,” Mrs Tinubu wrote in a statement. “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.”

The message angered citizens who accused Mrs Tinubu of being insensitive and unempathetic towards the families of the kidnapped persons.

In all of the five paragraphs of Mrs Tinubu’s annual goodwill Children’s Day message, there was no mention of the children and students who have been languishing in the kidnappers’ den for nearly two weeks.

“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,” the first lady added in her statement.

On May 15,  gunmen besieged Oriire Local Government of Oyo state and kidnapped children between two and 16 years. 25 primary school pupils, seven secondary school students, and seven teachers were kidnapped totalling 39 victims.

Mrs Tinubu, netizens said, carefully chose the wording of her annual goodwill Children’s Day message to sidestep the abduction in a manner that portrayed President Bola Tinubu’s administration as unempathetic towards the grieving families of the abducted students and teachers.

“No single word about the kidnapped kids. Shows how much you people are less concerned about the lives of innocent children in our country,” @jersey_hive worth on X. “Not even a word of empathy showing you care even if it’s fake love”

@onlybrightone wrote “Children are still there in the bush. @officialABAT  what do you have to say about the security of our kids in the jungle with the bhandits ?”

Another user @oriade_x01 wrote: “Are you not ashamed before you posted something like this while the same children were kidnapped and punished without you guys talking about the insecurity in the country.