The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, accusing him of making repeated promises without delivering enough results while demanding urgent action to rescue 176 residents of Woro community in Kwara State who have remained in captivity since February.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said Nigerians deserve more than reassuring speeches, insisting that every abducted citizen should receive equal attention regardless of where they come from.
The ADC’s reaction followed the President’s recent celebration of the rescue of kidnapped victims in Oyo State, arguing that while such achievements deserve recognition, they should not overshadow the plight of hundreds of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
“Every successful rescue of abducted Nigerians deserves to be celebrated. But the president must ensure that his actions do not create the impression that the value of a Nigerian life depends on where the victim comes from or whether the tragedy attracts national headlines. Leadership demands equal compassion for every citizen,” the party stated.
The party expressed particular concern over the fate of 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted on February 3, 2026, noting that their families are still waiting for answers months after the incident.
According to the ADC, the recent peaceful protest by residents of Kaiama reflected the growing frustration of families who fear their loved ones have been abandoned.
“Their protest was not political. It was the cry of citizens who fear that their loved ones have been forgotten,” the statement read.
The opposition party argued that insecurity remains a nationwide emergency, citing recent attacks in Kwara, Zamfara, Benue, Kebbi and Borno states as evidence that the security crisis is far from over.
It pointed to the abduction of at least 40 residents, mostly women and children, from communities in Zamfara State, renewed attacks in Benue, the kidnapping of Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, and continued insurgent attacks in parts of Borno State.
The ADC also questioned the Federal Government’s efforts to secure the release of victims still in captivity.
“What progress has been made in securing the release of the 176 abductees from Kaiama? What is being done to rescue the women and children taken in Zamfara? What efforts are underway to secure the release of Justice Bunza? What updates are available on victims in Borno and other affected communities?” the party asked.
The party further criticised President Tinubu’s repeated assurances that insecurity would soon be defeated, arguing that such statements are gradually losing credibility because they have not been matched by visible outcomes.
“On one of the defining challenges of this government, the president is increasingly seen as a professional statement-maker, while communities continue to bury their dead, search for the missing, and wait for rescues that never seem to come,” Abdullahi said.
It insisted that Nigerians deserve regular updates and measurable progress rather than general assurances.
“The president owes Nigerians more than broad assurances. He owes them regular updates, timelines, and evidence that no Nigerian community has been abandoned,” the statement added.
The ADC concluded by urging the President to match his words with decisive action, stressing that every Nigerian affected by insecurity deserves the same level of urgency and attention from the government.
“Leadership is not measured by how quickly government celebrates a rescue; it is measured by whether no Nigerian is left behind or forgotten,” the party said.
Source: ADC.
