Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International has expressed profound emotional distress over the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oyo State, including children as young as two years old, in a powerful sermon that has sparked widespread reactions online. The incident occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed kidnappers attacked three schools, leaving families and communities in anguish. A video shared on social media on Sunday, May 31, 2026, captured the pastor speaking during a church service, where he revealed he was close to cancelling the Children’s Day celebration due to the trauma of the event.
In his emotional address, Pastor Jerry Eze shared his inner turmoil, saying he nearly called off the celebration because the news of the abduction had deeply affected him. “The people closest to me know I was on the brink of cancelling the Children’s Day celebration; I was on the brink of saying why does it have to hold,” he said. He added that he could not imagine the pain of a mother whose child is being held captive, especially since he has two children of his own. “There is probably a mother somewhere who is on NSPPD and is saying to God, please let my children be released,” he prayed.
The pastor, who is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), emphasized his deep concern for the children’s physical safety and the psychological trauma they may endure after their release. “I am more worried about the trauma that will hit the children when they come out,” he said. He called on God for divine intervention and urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
His words resonated with many Nigerians, with numerous online reactions expressing solidarity and calling for urgent action. Some social media users praised his prayers, while others urged him to speak more directly to the government and demand accountability. Comments ranged from support for his spiritual stance to criticism, with some accusing religious leaders of not doing enough to confront the nation’s security crisis. One user wrote, “Prayers will never solve this Terrorism and killings in this country,” while another called for a march to Aso Rock to demand justice.
Despite the mixed responses, Pastor Jerry Eze’s message has amplified public attention on the abduction, highlighting the urgent need for both spiritual and practical solutions. As the search for the abducted children and teachers continues, his words serve as a reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the collective responsibility to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable. The incident remains a stark call to action for all stakeholders to ensure the safety of children in schools across the country.
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