Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has criticised concerned authorities for prioritising political campaigns and re-election ambitions over the rescue of pupils and staff abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a video posted on Wednesday via his Facebook page, the singer said there was nothing to celebrate on the occasion of the year 2026 Children’s Day, with several pupils, teachers and families trapped in the recent school abduction incident.

“Today is Children’s Day, but there is absolutely nothing happy about it. In fact, it is completely miserable. Over 40 people were kidnapped in Oyo State, most of them children, nursery and primary school pupils. Just so you can understand how young these kids are,” he said.

“The last images their families have are of them being tortured and flogged. The kidnappers recorded themselves beheading a teacher, and the government has not done anything. As usual, they make announcements that they are making efforts.”

The musician questioned the rationale behind the re-election bid of some politicians, stating that the top priority among members of the political class should be the rescue of the abducted victims.

“The most infuriating part of this entire situation is that as all of these are happening, these guys are campaigning to get re-elected. To be re-elected on what basis? To come back so that more people can be killed?” Falz said.

“I don’t know why. I can’t pretend to have all the answers. But I know for sure that keeping quiet and carrying on with business as though nothing is happening is definitely not the answer,” he stated.

The musician also faulted individuals who rally behind politicians despite the failure to rescue victims.

Earlier on Friday, May 15, suspected gunmen attacked two communities in Oriire LGA and abducted pupils and staff of Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School in Esiele.

On Sunday, May 17, one of the teachers, a mathematics teacher identified as Oyedokun M.O., was shot and beheaded by the suspects.