Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the Federal Government over what he described as its insensitivity to the continued captivity of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo State.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was disturbing that nearly three weeks after the May 15, 2026 abduction, the victims remain in captivity while government activities continue in a celebratory tone. He accused the administration of appearing more focused on political engagements than on urgent efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and address the anguish of their families.
Atiku also expressed concern over recent public appearances and events associated with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arguing that such displays risk sending the wrong signal at a time of national grief. He stressed that leadership demands empathy, restraint and a visible sense of urgency during moments of national tragedy, particularly when citizens are in distress.
According to him, Nigerians are justified in questioning the contrast between the pain of families whose children remain missing and the continued organisation of political festivities and public celebrations.
“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. Leadership demands compassion, focus, and a commitment to bring every abducted citizen home safely,” he said.
Atiku further criticised what he described as extravagant political gatherings and the distribution of vehicles and gifts to political supporters, arguing that such optics deepen public frustration amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship. He warned that the persistence of mass abductions without decisive resolution risks normalising insecurity and weakening public confidence in government institutions.
The former Vice President called on the Federal Government to urgently intensify security and intelligence operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while ensuring the perpetrators are tracked, arrested and prosecuted. He added that history would judge leaders not by political ceremonies or public displays, but by how they respond in moments of national crisis.
“At a time like this, Nigerians need urgency, compassion and results—not celebration and political theatre,” Atiku stated.
