Opposition Party Condemns Government's Response to Rising Insecurity
The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing criticism against President Bola Tinubu's administration, accusing it of effectively surrendering to terrorists through its approach to school closures in Northern Nigeria. The opposition party's strong condemnation comes in response to the recent wave of mass kidnappings that have plagued educational institutions in the region.
During a media briefing held in Abuja on November 23, 2025, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation. The PDP highlighted two particularly disturbing incidents: the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of 315 students and staff in Niger State.
Education Under Threat: The Consequences of School Closures
The PDP strongly criticized the government's consideration of closing schools in vulnerable areas, describing this approach as counterproductive. According to the opposition party, such measures would inadvertently achieve the terrorists' primary objective of preventing children from accessing formal education.
The party emphasized that Northern Nigeria already faces an alarming education crisis, citing UNICEF data showing the region bears the heaviest burden of Nigeria's 18.3 million out-of-school children. This includes 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the secondary level.
The PDP warned that further school closures would exacerbate this dire situation, potentially deepening poverty and instability in the region for generations to come.
Government Response Under Fire
The opposition party also took issue with what it described as President Tinubu's lacklustre and unempathetic response to the recent kidnapping incidents. Instead of personally visiting affected communities in Kebbi and Niger states to commiserate with families, the President merely directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi.
The PDP contrasted this approach with the large contingents sent to international events like the US Congress and G-20 meeting, describing the administration's posture as insensitive and dismissive of the gravity of the security crisis.
The party called for immediate implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which focuses on community intelligence and rapid security response mechanisms. They urged the Federal Government to adopt comprehensive, intelligence-driven security plans rather than simplistic, quick-fix approaches.
Reiterating that protection of lives and property remains the foremost duty of any government, the PDP stated that any administration unwilling or unable to fulfil this fundamental responsibility must either seek assistance or honourably resign.
