Atiku slams Tinubu, First Lady as Oyo abductees remain in captivity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over the failure to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State nearly three weeks ago.

In a statement issued on Friday, the former vice president accused the Federal Government of lacking urgency in addressing the plight of the victims, arguing that political activities and celebrations had taken precedence over the welfare of innocent citizens.

Atiku expressed dismay that while parents endured weeks of anxiety, public attention had been drawn to campaign-style gatherings, political events, and the distribution of luxury vehicles to allies. He argued that leadership required empathy, especially when citizens were in distress.

Directing sharp remarks at the First Lady, he questioned how a mother could celebrate or preside over political festivities while children remained at the mercy of kidnappers. According to him, a true mother would use every available platform to keep the victims’ plight in the national spotlight until they were safely returned.

The former vice president warned that the rising frequency of abductions was eroding public confidence in the government. He called on the authorities to deploy all security and intelligence assets to rescue the captives and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The abducted pupils and their teachers were taken from a school in Oyo State, sparking widespread concern and renewed calls for improved security across the country.