By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State nearly three weeks ago.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, said the Federal Government has not shown sufficient urgency in securing the release of the victims. He made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The former vice president accused the government of appearing more focused on political activities than on addressing the plight of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
“It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers,” Atiku said.
He also took aim at the First Lady, arguing that Nigerians expected stronger public advocacy for the safe return of the victims. He questioned how a mother could celebrate while children remain in captivity.
“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones,” Atiku stated
The former vice president said the contrast between the suffering of affected families and images of political gatherings has deepened public frustration. He noted that while parents endure anxiety, Nigerians have seen scenes of campaign-style activities and the distribution of vehicles to political allies.
Atiku further criticised what he described as extravagant displays of power by public officials at a time when many Nigerians face economic hardship and worsening insecurity. He said the nation expects urgency and compassion, not political pageantry.
He warned that the growing frequency of kidnappings could erode public confidence in government if not decisively addressed, and called on the Federal Government to deploy all available security and intelligence resources to secure the victims’ release and bring those responsible to justice.
