Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as a lack of urgency and empathy in responding to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Mr Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, expressed concern that nearly three weeks after the pupils and their teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, they remain in captivity while the Federal Government continues with political activities.
The former Vice President said the continued detention of the victims should have prompted an all-out national response focused on securing their release, rather than what he characterised as celebrations and political engagements by government officials.
According to him, leadership requires empathy and responsiveness, especially during periods of national distress.
“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,” Atiku said.
He particularly criticised activities associated with the office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arguing that public officials should demonstrate greater sensitivity to the plight of affected families.
Mr Atiku questioned what he described as the contrast between the anguish of parents whose children remain missing and public displays of political activities and ceremonies.
“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 stated.
The former Vice President noted that since the abduction occurred, parents and relatives of the victims have continued to endure uncertainty and emotional trauma while awaiting positive news about their loved ones.
He argued that images of political gatherings, campaign-style events and other public engagements by government officials have heightened public frustration, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with insecurity and economic hardship.
Mr Atiku also criticised what he described as extravagant displays of power and highly publicised political activities, saying public office holders must be mindful of the symbolism of their actions during periods of national tragedy.
“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry,” he said.
The former Vice President further lamented the persistence of mass kidnappings across the country, warning that repeated incidents of abduction risk becoming normalised if authorities fail to respond decisively.
He cautioned that any perception of complacency by government officials could embolden criminal elements and further erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect citizens.
Mr Atiku called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy all available security and intelligence resources toward securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent against future crimes.
According to him, the true test of leadership lies not in political activities or public ceremonies but in the ability to protect citizens and respond effectively during moments of crisis.
“At a time like this, Nigerians do not need political choreography. They need leadership. They do not need celebrations. They need results. They do not need propaganda. They need the safe return of every abducted child and teacher,” Mr Atiku said.
