Dare Babalola
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing Nigerians on security, following the abduction of scores of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims.
Atiku said no fewer than 42 school children were kidnapped on May 15 during attacks on Government Day Secondary School, Mussa; Central Primary School; and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School in Mussa town, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
He also alleged that more than 40 students and teachers were abducted the same day from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where a teacher was reportedly beheaded.
The ADC presidential candidate expressed concern over what he described as worsening insecurity across the country, warning that persistent attacks on schools threaten the nation’s education system and undermine the Safe Schools initiative.
“Atiku expressed embarrassment at the frequency with which terrorists are threatening citizens with impunity without an appropriate response by the government,” the statement said.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of citizens, adding that the Tinubu administration had failed to reassure Nigerians of their safety.
“President Tinubu has no moral or political latitude to stay in Aso Villa a day longer if tens of hundreds of abducted citizens languish in captivity across the country,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The former vice president argued that prolonged delays in rescuing abducted victims encourage further attacks by criminal groups, insisting that official condemnations must be followed by swift and effective action.
He also called for reforms in the criminal justice system, including the establishment of special courts for terrorism-related cases to ensure speedy trials for terrorists and bandits.
According to him, the death penalty for terrorism offences would only be effective if the government demonstrates the political will to enforce convictions promptly.
