Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has delivered one of her strongest public reactions yet on the worsening insecurity crisis in Nigeria, expressing frustration, fear, and anger over the growing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities across the country.
In a lengthy emotional statement shared online, the actress said she could no longer remain silent as insecurity continues spreading across different states, warning Nigerians against treating the crisis as a distant problem that only affects rural communities.
“I know some of you will be shocked to see me speak, even though I have said I was not going to speak again about anything that concerns Nigerians,” she began.
“But I have to speak this time because Nigeria is my home and where I belong, even though I travel the world.”
Her comments come amid rising national concern following recent reports of schoolchildren and teachers being abducted in parts of Oyo State, incidents that have reignited conversations about the country’s security challenges.
Iyabo referenced statements reportedly made by the military leadership assuring Nigerians that abducted children would be rescued safely, but questioned how long citizens would continue to endure repeated tragedies without visible long-term solutions.
“The Head of the military has come out to say and guarantee that the abducted children will be released. I hope they are released safe and sound,” she said.
“But the issue is: for how long are we going to keep quiet and continue like this?”
The actress argued that many Nigerians, particularly those living in major cities such as Lagos, have become dangerously comfortable believing insecurity will not eventually affect them directly.
“We are not angry enough. Most of us feel very relaxed, thinking that because we live in Lagos and other well secured places, we are safe. Unfortunately, it is already at our doorstep,” she warned.
“Oyo is just a stone’s throw away from us.”
Iyabo also criticised what she described as performative outrage on social media, insisting that many citizens complain online without taking meaningful collective action or demanding accountability from leaders.
“We make so much noise on social media but lack action,” she stated.
“This is not about APC or Tinubu not doing well — it is about us, the citizens, not being ready.”
The actress questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security structure and wondered why violent groups continue operating despite the presence of military institutions established to protect lives and property.
“We have the military whose sole aim is to protect the lives and properties of citizens, but what exactly are they doing?” she asked.
“It feels like nothing is being done. All we hear is, ‘We are working on it.’ Working on what exactly, when these people are destroying Nigeria?”
She further suggested that if local security efforts remain insufficient, the government should consider seeking international assistance to combat insecurity more effectively.
“If the Nigerian military cannot handle it, why can’t the government seek international help?” she questioned.
“If the government can beg and borrow loans from other countries, why can’t they seek help for security assistance to eradicate these demons tormenting our country?”
One of the most emotional parts of her statement focused on reports that a teacher was allegedly killed by bandits, with disturbing footage later circulated online.
“These bandits even have the effrontery to behead a teacher and post the video online,” she said angrily.
Iyabo also criticized political distractions ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that governance and national survival should take priority over campaign activities and public relations efforts by politicians.
“I am not interested in any election,” she declared.
“Because at the end of the day, you will have no land to govern if bandits take over.”
While acknowledging that Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot solve the crisis alone, she insisted the government must show stronger urgency, transparency, and empathy in responding to the security emergency.
“Tinubu cannot do it alone, but he must speak out. He delegates people to act — let them give account. Where is the empathy?” she asked.
The actress concluded by urging Nigerians, especially public figures, influencers, and young people, to consistently use their voices and platforms to demand immediate action before insecurity spreads even further across the country.
“For everyone with a platform and followers, use even that one follower to speak out,” she said.
“Cry out until you are heard.”
Her statement has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians praising her for speaking boldly about a growing national concern that continues affecting families, schools, and communities across different regions of the country.
