Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, has expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State, describing the incident as heartbreaking and troubling.
A video of the cleric reacting emotionally during a church service surfaced online on Sunday, May 31, 2026. According to reports, some of the victims include very young children, with ages said to be as low as two years old.
Speaking to his congregation, Jerry Eze revealed that the tragic development had a profound impact on him, to the point where he considered cancelling the church’s Children’s Day celebration.
“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.
The cleric, who also leads the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), shared his fears about the condition of the abducted children and the psychological impact the ordeal could have on them.
“There is probably a mother somewhere who is on NSPPD and is saying to God, please let my children be released. I have two children; I don’t know how I will feel. The children are somewhere in the forest, where we don’t know, without shelter. I am more worried about the trauma that will hit the children when they come out. I am praying that God will help them. It is so painful,” he added.
He prayed for the safe return of the victims and called on the government and security agencies to act swiftly in securing their release.
However, his reaction has sparked mixed responses online. While some people empathised with his emotional response, others criticised him for focusing primarily on prayers rather than directly calling out authorities.
One user, @claryzbell93390, urged stronger action, writing, “Call out the government! Come out, let’s march to Aso Rock!”
Another, @agujinma1, criticised religious leaders, while @ObinnaLaza78863 stressed the need for citizens to take responsibility alongside prayer, noting that lasting solutions require both spiritual and practical action.
The incident has once again drawn attention to growing concerns about insecurity and the safety of school children across the country.
