Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Rapper and activist Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has urged Nigerians to direct their frustration over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State at government authorities and security agencies, rather than celebrities. In an interview with Sunday Scoop published on June 7, 2026, Ruggedman argued that public figures are not responsible for protecting citizens, and that the pressure for urgent action must fall squarely on those in power.
Ruggedman expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, describing the incident as heartbreaking. However, he said it was absurd that citizens look to celebrities for rescue. "The fact that people are looking at Nigerian celebrities to respond with urgency is absurd. Celebrities are not government officials. Neither are they the police or soldiers," he stated. "These are the people whose urgent response is needed because their response will affect the lives of the people abducted in Oyo. Not celebrities. We need to focus on the people responsible for the lives of our Oyo people, and they are not celebrities." He said leaders who cannot tolerate criticism should not hold power, warning that a leader who cannot handle criticism will end up looking like a dictator. "A person that can’t handle criticism should not be anywhere near a seat of power. You will end up looking like a dictator and hated by your people."
Ruggedman also noted that addressing government failure has become risky, citing social media critics who have been attacked or arrested. "I don’t feel pressure because I always speak up on issues concerning humans, not just Nigerians. But addressing government failure is now looking risky because we have been seeing more and more people on social media who call out failures getting attacked. Some even get arrested." He further dismissed misplaced expectations on religious leaders, stressing that their influence is limited. "Religious leaders can speak and demand, but the actions needed to protect citizens should come from government. They cannot go into the forests to rescue abducted citizens. We have people trained for such, and celebrities and religious leaders do not command them."
The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State occurred when armed men attacked schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esiele communities, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, and killing a teacher identified as Comrade Joel Adesanya. Despite social media claims suggesting the victims had been freed, the Oyo State Police Command on June 6, 2026, debunked such reports as false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated. The command stated that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing and urged the public to disregard unverified information.
The abductors have reportedly made extreme demands, including payment of N1 billion ransom to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin, delivery of two Toyota Hilux vehicles, release of detained suspects, and sweeping implementation of Sharia law in Oyo State. Muslim communities in Oyo State have rejected these demands, stating that the criminals do not represent Islam. The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland described the conditions as a desecration of the faith, insisting that Islam forbids kidnapping and extortion of innocent citizens. The Oyo State House of Assembly has ruled out negotiations with the abductors and instead called for intensified rescue operations.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various stakeholders. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has repeatedly expressed concern over the abduction, blaming both federal and state authorities for a deteriorating security situation. In a separate reaction, the Senate has demanded the urgent rescue of the victims, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole raising concerns over accountability in previous school abduction cases. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has also slammed former Governor Ayo Fayose over his allegation that the abduction was orchestrated by Governor Seyi Makinde to blackmail President Bola Tinubu, describing the claim as reckless and politically dangerous.
As the standoff continues, the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the security crisis and the government's perceived inaction. Ruggedman's call for accountability adds to a chorus of voices demanding that the government, and not celebrities, take responsibility for the safe return of the abducted citizens. "What happened in Oyo is really sad. My heart goes out to all the affected families. That being said, the delayed action makes the situation worse," he said. For now, the victims remain in captivity, their fate uncertain, as the nation waits for a rescue that authorities insist is imminent.
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