Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Administration Over Handling of Oyo Abductions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate sufficient urgency in securing the release of the victims. In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president stated that the government appeared more focused on political activities than addressing the plight of the abducted victims.  

“It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers. Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress,” the statement read.  

Atiku also directed criticism toward the First Lady, questioning the appropriateness of her public engagements during this period. “What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity? A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones,” he argued.  

The former vice president contended that the contrast between the suffering of affected families and the images of political celebrations circulating in the public space has deepened public frustration. He lamented that while parents of the abducted pupils have endured three weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, the public has been confronted with scenes of campaign-style activities and the distribution of gifts to political allies.  

Atiku further criticized what he described as extravagant displays of power by public officials during a time of economic hardship and worsening insecurity. He warned that the frequency of such kidnappings could erode public confidence in the government if not addressed decisively. He called on the Federal Government to prioritize the rescue of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice, maintaining that the government’s response to such tragedies must be defined by action and compassion rather than political pageantry.  

The abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State occurred on May 15, 2026. While rumors of a rescue recently circulated on social media, the Oyo State Police Command has officially refuted these claims, confirming that the victims remain in captivity and that rescue operations are still ongoing.