Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, accusing the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate sufficient urgency in securing the release of the victims.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, expressed concern over what he described as the government’s apparent focus on political engagements and celebratory activities while innocent schoolchildren and their teachers remain in the hands of kidnappers.
The former vice president made his position known in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
In the statement, Atiku questioned the response of the Federal Government to the abduction incident, arguing that the situation demanded stronger national attention and immediate coordinated action from security authorities.
“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,” the statement read.
The former vice president stressed that the safety and welfare of citizens, particularly children and education workers, should remain the primary responsibility of any government.
He warned that the persistent abduction of students and teachers across different parts of the country poses a serious threat to the education sector and national stability.
According to Atiku, repeated attacks on schools and educational institutions continue to create fear among parents, students and teachers, thereby undermining efforts to improve access to education and human capital development.
He stated that beyond political statements, Nigerians expect decisive action from government authorities to rescue victims and strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities.
The statement also criticised what it described as insufficient empathy and visible urgency from top government officials in responding to the plight of the abducted victims and their families.
Atiku urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and deploy all necessary resources toward ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He further called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing initiatives and enhanced protection for schools, particularly in areas prone to kidnapping and violent attacks.
The former vice president maintained that insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting Nigeria and should receive greater attention than political activities or celebrations.
He argued that public confidence in government leadership is strengthened when citizens see prompt and compassionate responses to national tragedies and security emergencies.
Atiku’s comments come amid growing public concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting schools, students and communities in different parts of the country.
Civil society groups, education stakeholders and opposition figures have repeatedly called for stronger measures to address insecurity and protect educational institutions from criminal attacks.
The abduction of pupils and teachers has continued to generate outrage among Nigerians, with many demanding urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities.
Security experts have also warned that persistent attacks on schools could worsen the number of out-of-school children in the country if parents become increasingly reluctant to send their children to school due to safety concerns.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that security agencies are working to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and banditry through ongoing military and intelligence operations across affected regions.
However, critics argue that the frequency of attacks and abductions indicates the need for more effective strategies, improved coordination among security agencies and greater investment in community-based security systems.
Atiku reiterated his sympathy for the abducted pupils, teachers and their families, expressing hope that the victims would be safely rescued without harm.
He also urged Nigerians to remain united in demanding accountability and stronger commitment from leaders in addressing the nation’s worsening security challenges.
