Residents of Ibadan have voiced growing concerns over the worsening security situation in the country, saying fear and uncertainty now shape everyday family life, even during festive periods meant for joy and relaxation.
Speaking at Palms Mall in the Ring Road area of the city during the ongoing Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations, several parents shared their worries about raising children in an atmosphere increasingly dominated by insecurity.
Businessman Wahid Lawal described the emotional strain caused by the situation, saying living in constant fear has become exhausting and unhealthy.
According to him, despite the security concerns, he still had to take his four- and six-year-old daughters out because denying them the celebration would have been difficult to explain.
“If my daughters were older, we probably would have stayed indoors because the current situation hardly feels celebratory,” he said.
“There are too many painful incidents happening around us, and all we can do is hope things improve soon.”
A baker, Idayat Okunowo, said many mothers across the country are quietly praying for the safe return of kidnapped victims and for peace to return to communities.
She noted that no parent deserves the emotional burden many families are currently experiencing.
“We decided to come out today mainly to relax our minds because children do not fully understand the reality of what is happening,” she explained.
“We try not to expose them to too much fear.”
Car dealer Okikiola Badmus said taking his family out during festive periods has always been part of their tradition, although the atmosphere now feels different.
While trying to enjoy the moment, he admitted he remained highly observant of his surroundings in case of danger.
“It is unfortunate that families now have to combine celebration with survival instincts,” he said.
“One of the hardest things is teaching young children to be cautious and vigilant at such an early age.
“Parents are carrying heavier responsibilities to keep their homes and loved ones safe.”
Seventy-two-year-old grandmother Kehinde Adeleye described the widespread insecurity as heartbreaking and called on leaders to prioritize the welfare of children and families.
“Our leaders must show greater concern for the future of the younger generation because children represent the hope of tomorrow,” she said.
Ayodeji Solanke, Group Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Learning Initiative, a child-focused non-governmental organisation, urged authorities and institutions to take deliberate action toward creating a safer environment for children.
He stressed that it is contradictory to describe children as future leaders while many of them struggle daily with unsafe living conditions.
“Those in leadership positions must intentionally build systems that genuinely support children and their development,” he stated.
“We fail them when we allow insecurity and hardship to threaten their growth and future.”
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Bolanle Oladipo expressed disappointment over how the celebrations unfolded this year.
She explained that her father had initially planned to take her to Ilaji Resort before the outing was cancelled due to recent incidents involving schoolchildren.
“I was excited about visiting somewhere new, but the plans changed because of what happened,” she said.
“I just wish children across Nigeria could celebrate happily without fear.”
Many families at the celebration grounds maintained that while they continue to hold on to hope, the growing insecurity across the country has made moments of joy feel uncertain and incomplete.