Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately deploy every available security and intelligence resource to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the continued captivity of the victims raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable schoolchildren.
The former vice president criticised reports that relief materials and cash donations were taken to the families of the abducted victims, describing such gestures as inadequate at a time when parents are desperately waiting for the safe return of their children.
According to Atiku, grieving families are not seeking palliatives but urgent action that will bring their loved ones home safely. He argued that the focus of government should be on rescue operations and ensuring those responsible for the abduction are apprehended and prosecuted.
Atiku further stated that the Oyo school abduction reflects the growing security challenges facing the country, warning that insecurity is gradually becoming normalised across many communities.
He lamented that many Nigerians now live in fear, with kidnappings and violent attacks increasingly affecting schools, communities, and travellers across different parts of the country.
The former vice president urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure that criminal groups responsible for such attacks face the full weight of the law.
He maintained that protecting lives remains one of the most important responsibilities of any government and called for decisive action rather than explanations or symbolic interventions.
The call comes amid nationwide concern over the fate of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Source: Statement by Atiku Abubakar’s Media Office
