Seun Kuti Calls For Action Beyond Social Media Outrage Over Kidnappings

Nigerian singer Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, ‘Seun Kuti’, has reacted to the kidnapping of school children in Oyo State, the incident which has drawn widespread concern across Nigeria.

Since the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo state weeks ago, several celebrities have also spoken out online. They have used their platforms to demand urgent action from authorities. The pressure for answers has continued to grow.

In a video shared on Instagram, Kuti also referenced the earlier Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. He recalled how political leaders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticised the handling of that case under Goodluck Jonathan. He added that kidnappings have continued over the years, despite repeated public outcry.

He said:

“If social media is what you think it is, there is no way the government would allow you to have access to it. We just think say we need to dey do video, that is what we need.”

In the video, the music star said people keep crying out on social media. But he insisted the platform is not the answer to the problem.

He added that if social media could solve such issues, the government would have taken control of it. He noted it would not be freely available to the public.

He also said that despite years of public outcry, the kidnapped victims have still not been returned to their families.

“We don do bring back our girls, dem no bring them back. The government changed, and Buhari entered. We cried that he should bring back our girls. It got to the point that if they brought it up, people were going to insult you. We have started the same tactic again,” he added.