Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unleashed a scathing critique of the Federal Government following the recent release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Rather than celebrating this event, Atiku argues it’s a glaring testament to Nigeria’s spiraling security crisis.
According to Atiku’s media office, the return of the schoolgirls is “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder” of how terrorists roam free, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration merely offers hollow press statements to mask their incompetence. His inflammatory comments came after Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, attempted to praise the government’s security operations in an interview on Arise News TV.
Onanuga touted the supposed success of the Department of State Services (DSS) and military in tracking down the kidnappers and securing the girls’ release without paying a ransom. He claimed, “The security people know all the bandits operating in that axis,” but with a caveat that any action could endanger innocent civilians.
Atiku flatly dismissed these claims, branding them “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy.” He raised an eyebrow at the government’s narrative, questioning, “If the DSS and the military could ‘track’ the kidnappers in real time, then why weren’t these criminals apprehended on the spot?”
He further blasted the administration for “boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them,” implying that the negotiation of kidnappings has become standard practice. His fiery rhetoric suggests that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government,” suggesting a bleak reality where criminals operate with impunity while officials pat themselves on the back.
Atiku’s outrage comes in the wake of a horrific abduction incident on November 17, where armed assailants stormed the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing one staff member and kidnapping 25 girls. Only one girl managed to escape, leaving the remaining 24 in captivity until their release was finally announced.
President Bola Tinubu, in a rather unconvincing show of relief, welcomed the release through a statement issued by Onanuga, praising security agencies while calling for more “boots on the ground.” He directed forces to prioritize rescuing other captives across the nation, raising eyebrows over the apparent lack of urgency until public pressure mounted.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, added his voice, confirming that no ransom was paid for the girls’ release.
