Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Federal Government Over Oyo School Abduction Response
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the federal government's handling of the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. He described the distribution of rice and other palliatives to affected families as insensitive and inadequate, stressing that parents need rescue efforts, not food donations.
In a statement shared with Legit.ng on Wednesday, June 3, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed dismay at the government's response. He said: "The cruelty of such a response is difficult to comprehend. Parents whose children have been torn from their arms are not asking for rice. Mothers who do not know whether their children are hungry, sick, traumatised, or even alive are not demanding palliatives. Fathers who wake up every morning praying for a phone call announcing the safe return of their children are not looking for handouts. What these families need is action."
Atiku argued that the government should focus on securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers and bringing those responsible to justice. He used the incident to renew his criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating: "It is a damning verdict on this government that while criminals operate with audacity and freedom, innocent schoolchildren are abducted from their classrooms and the official response is the distribution of rice. This is not governance. This is an abdication of responsibility."
Worsening Security Situation in Nigeria
The former presidential candidate lamented that kidnappings leave deep emotional wounds on families and communities. He noted that many Nigerians now live in fear due to the country's worsening security challenges. According to him, citizens increasingly worry about travelling, farming, and carrying out daily activities because of the threat posed by criminal groups. "Today, many Nigerian parents budget for ransom the same way they budget for school fees. Farmers fear their farms. Travellers fear the highways," he said.
Atiku called on President Tinubu to direct security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted pupils and teachers. He also urged authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack, warning that a failure to act decisively could encourage further kidnappings. He insisted that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers should be the government's top priority. "Bring the children home. Bring their teachers home. Arrest their captors. Secure our schools. Restore confidence in the ability of the state to protect its citizens. Anything less is unacceptable," he said.
Teachers Send Strong Message After Abductions
Legit.ng earlier reported that teachers in Nigeria have warned political leaders that escalating kidnappings and violent attacks across the country show that no one is safe, following the abduction of students and staff in Oyo State. The May 15 coordinated attack in Oriire Local Government Area saw armed men invade schools, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, an incident that has intensified nationwide concern over school safety and insecurity.
