Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, accusing the Federal Government of not acting with enough urgency to secure their freedom.
In a statement released on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said the administration appeared more preoccupied with political engagements than addressing the ordeal of the kidnapped victims.
According to Atiku, the continued detention of the pupils and their teachers raises concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting citizens during times of crisis.
“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.
Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress,” the statement read.
The former vice president also directed criticism at the First Lady, arguing that many Nigerians expected her to play a more visible role in advocating for the victims’ safe return. He maintained that efforts to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers should take precedence over political events and celebrations.
“What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers 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.
“A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families,” Atiku said.
Atiku further noted that images of political gatherings and celebrations circulating in the public domain had heightened public frustration, especially as families of the abducted victims continue to endure weeks of uncertainty and anguish.
He said many Nigerians have watched political activities, campaign-style events and the distribution of vehicles to political associates unfold while affected parents remain worried about the fate of their children and teachers.
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The former vice president also condemned what he described as displays of extravagance by public office holders at a time when citizens are facing economic difficulties and growing security challenges.
“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry.
“They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations. They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives,” he added.
Atiku warned that persistent incidents of kidnapping across the country could further weaken public trust in government institutions if decisive measures are not taken.
He urged the Federal Government to mobilise all available security and intelligence assets to ensure the victims are rescued and those behind the abduction are brought to justice.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped in Oyo State nearly three weeks ago, prompting widespread concern about their welfare and renewed demands for stronger security measures nationwide.