Falz Demands Tinubu’s Resignation After Niger School Kidnapping Sparks Outrage

Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has called for the immediate resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the abduction of more than 100 students and staff in Niger State. The musician made the call on Thursday while reacting to the worsening insecurity that has continued to plague several regions of the country. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The attack occurred in the early hours of November 21 when armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, located in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The gunmen reportedly invaded the school premises during morning activities and abducted dozens of students, teachers, and non-academic staff before escaping into nearby forest routes.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the raid, noting that a joint operation consisting of police tactical units, soldiers, and other security agencies had begun combing bushes and possible hideouts in search of the abducted victims. Authorities say they are working with local vigilantes and community volunteers to widen the search and secure the safe return of the captives.

In a separate statement, officials of the Niger State Government criticized the school’s administration for resuming academic activities without government approval. According to state authorities, schools in high-risk areas were instructed to remain closed pending improved security measures, but St. Mary’s reportedly reopened without clearance despite earlier warnings about bandit activities in the region.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage across the country, with many Nigerians expressing frustration at the federal government’s inability to curb recurring mass abductions, especially in the northern part of the country. Falz, known for his vocal stance on governance and human rights issues, took to social media to express his anger over the deteriorating state of national security.

In a strongly worded post addressed to President Tinubu, the rapper wrote: “YOU HAVE FAILED WOEFULLY @officialABAT TENDER YOUR RESIGNATION NOW!” His statement quickly generated thousands of reactions, with supporters and critics engaging in heated debates online.

Several social media users echoed the rapper’s sentiments, with many insisting that the government has not done enough to safeguard schools and vulnerable communities. One user, identified as @Donxab, wrote, “Sir, with all due respect, resignation is too merciful. People need to be in prison for criminal negligence. How do you sleep when schools are now kidnapping farms?”

Another commenter, @Elow_vin, questioned whether a resignation would create meaningful change, asking, “If he resigns, will his whole cabinet go too? They all need to leave because what is happening in this country is really messy.”

The latest abduction adds to the growing number of school-related kidnappings that have occurred in the country over the past decade, reigniting painful memories of previous mass abductions in states such as Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Borno. Parents and relatives of the missing students in Papiri have also expressed deep anxiety as they await updates from security agencies.

Human rights groups have demanded immediate action, urging the government to prioritize community security, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with local forces in high-risk regions. Analysts warn that if the trend continues, educational access in rural areas may further decline as fear spreads among families.

Falz, who has been actively involved in national activism, including the 2020 #EndSARS movement, has once again positioned himself among public figures demanding accountability and structural reform in Nigeria’s security architecture. His call for resignation has intensified discussions on whether leadership changes are necessary to address the country’s persistent insecurity.

As rescue efforts continue in Niger State, Nigerians are waiting for updates from law enforcement agencies regarding the status of the abducted students and staff. The presidency has yet to issue a direct response to Falz’s remarks, but officials say they are working closely with security operatives to restore calm in the affected community.

The incident has once again underscored the need for stronger protection of schools nationwide, especially in regions prone to bandit attacks.