Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has appealed to Nigerians to support 32 children with special needs who were displaced following a court-ordered eviction from their therapy centre in Yaba, Lagos.

Akindele appealed on her Instagram page on Monday after videos emerged showing the affected children and their belongings outside the premises of Magnificient Therapy Services.

According to the actress, the situation deeply affected her emotionally.

“This video was sent to me today, and honestly, it broke my heart. Seeing children living with autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, and other special needs displaced and lying outside with their belongings is deeply upsetting,” she wrote.

She clarified that her intervention was not aimed at criticising parties involved in the dispute, but to encourage humanitarian support for the children.

“This post is not to discredit or attack anyone involved. I simply want to use my platform to encourage support for these children during this difficult time. I have contributed in my own little way, and I’m appealing to anyone who can help in any way possible. No child deserves to be left helpless,” she added.

The displaced children were residents of Magnificient Therapy Services, a centre in Yaba that catered to children living with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia and other developmental conditions.

The facility was reportedly evicted after a prolonged tenancy dispute resulted in a court-enforced action, ending the centre’s 16-year occupancy of the property.

Founded in 2010 in a two-bedroom apartment with only two children, the centre gradually expanded into a support space for vulnerable children requiring specialised care and therapy.

Following the eviction, some children, particularly orphans and those without immediate guardians, were temporarily relocated to an uncompleted building, while concerned residents in the area reportedly offered short-term assistance.

Parents of some of the children also rushed to the facility to retrieve their wards after learning about the incident.

Akindele further appealed to Nigerians to extend compassion and practical support to the displaced children.

“Please, whatever support you can give will go a long way. If you’re able to do more, kindly help them. Let’s show these children love, kindness, and humanity,” she wrote.