Hundreds of Nigerian-Canadians gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday to demand the immediate release of dozens of students and teachers abducted from schools in Nigeria and to call for stronger action against the country’s worsening insecurity.
The peaceful rally, organized by concerned members of the Nigerian-Canadian community, brought together professionals, community leaders, human rights advocates, parents, and supporters united by a common message: “Bring Back Our Children Alive.”
The event featured an interfaith opening prayer involving Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious leaders, followed by welcome remarks, solidarity speeches, a peaceful walk through the square, the reading of the names of abducted students and teachers, songs of hope and unity, and a moment of silence in honor of victims of kidnapping and violence.
Speaking during the rally, Chief Funmi Olumade, popularly known as the Iyameto of Canada, said the gathering was a response to the growing wave of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren across Nigeria.
“We are gathered because 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped from their school in Oyo State on May 15, 2026,” she said. “One teacher has reportedly been beheaded, while the others remain in captivity. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.
Children were abducted in Ekiti State in April, and more kidnappings were reported in Zamfara State in June.”
Olumade lamented what she described as the normalization of violence against schoolchildren, stressing that classrooms have increasingly become targets of criminal attacks.
“For too long, our children go to school and parents pray they return home safely. That is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” she said.
Addressing the Nigerian government, she urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies to make the rescue of the abducted students and teachers their highest priority.
“Fund our security forces properly and secure every school in Nigeria. Nigeria is bleeding,” she declared.
She also called on the Government of Canada to use its influence through international platforms, including the United Nations, the G7, and ECOWAS, to advocate for the safe return of all kidnapped students and support efforts aimed at combating insecurity in Nigeria.
“A child in school is not a target. Education is not a crime,” she said. “We are peaceful. We are parents. We are tired of tears. We will continue to march, pray, and speak out until every child returns home safely.”
Participants at the rally carried placards bearing messages such as “Bring Back Our Children Alive” and “Bring Back Our Teachers Alive.” Many were dressed in white and black T-shirts, symbolizing unity, peace, and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Another speaker, Otunba Kemi Agbekeade, emphasized that the demonstration was not politically motivated but focused solely on protecting human lives and demanding accountability.
“As we leave this square today, we are not leaving this issue behind,” she said. “The kidnapping of children, teachers, and innocent citizens has become an unacceptable reality. Families continue to live in fear while those entrusted with protecting lives have failed to provide adequate security and bring many victims home.”
Agbekeade stressed that the lives of children must never become bargaining tools and called for sustained efforts to secure the release of all those currently in captivity.
“Our message is simple and direct: enough is enough. The lives of our children are not negotiable. The safety of our citizens is not optional,” she stated.
She added that the protest was about justice, accountability, and the future of Nigeria.
“We will not be silent. We will not look away. We will continue to speak, organize, and advocate until our children are returned and meaningful action is taken.”
Several participants expressed concerns about traveling to Nigeria due to the country’s security challenges. Some said they feared becoming victims of kidnapping if they returned home, noting that the deteriorating security situation has made many Nigerians abroad apprehensive about visiting their homeland.
In a demonstration of community solidarity, the Nigerian Canadian Association GTA (NCA-GTA) supported the event by donating bottled water for participants throughout the rally.
The association’s president, Kenny Bazuaye, urged protesters to remain peaceful and respectful of Canadian laws.
“We encourage everyone to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for the regulations of the land,” Bazuaye said. “By fostering a spirit of peaceful and law-abiding engagement, the Nigerian-Canadian community continues to demonstrate its dedication to shared progress.”
The association also expressed sympathy for the families of the kidnapped victims and called on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of all those held captive.
The rally concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to continued advocacy until the abducted children, teachers, and other victims are safely reunited with their families.
“Together, through collective action and responsible citizenship, we strive to make Nigeria, Canada, and the world at large a safer place for all,” the organizers stated.
