Former Nigerian finance minister and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings across the country, particularly the abductions of schoolchildren and teachers.
In a post shared on her X account on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Okonjo-Iweala said she was heartbroken by the ordeal faced by victims and their families.
“As a mother I am greatly saddened by the kidnappings in our country particularly of our children and teachers from places of learning,” she wrote, adding that her thoughts were with “the children and all those kidnapped and to their families living in fear and uncertainty.”
She prayed for the safe return of all abducted persons, noting, “May those taken be found, rescued and returned safely into the arms of those who love them. We pray God for their protection and strength for every parent and relatives waiting.”
Her comments, however, triggered sharp reactions from users who demanded stronger action and a clearer stance on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
One respondent criticised the tone of the statement, saying, “Please stop already. Everyone is saddened. Just act. This is not lending voice. This is speaking what everyone speaks.”
Another user accused her of selectively speaking out on national issues. “Mummy! For all the atrocities happening in Nigeria you covered it up for the world to know. You are just tweeting about it now… hiding from the truth about the killings of innocent Christians in Nigeria,” the user wrote, urging her to “speak now.”
A separate commenter referenced the ongoing detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, questioning her silence on the matter.
“But you refused to talk about your own brother @MaziNnamdiKanu who was illegally renditioned and unjustly jailed,” the user said, adding that many were beginning to see her “as enemy of ndi Igbo.”
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