Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as a slow and insensitive response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern that nearly three weeks after the incident of May 15, 2026, the victims are still in captivity while national political activities continue.
He argued that the situation demanded urgent, coordinated national action focused on securing the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers, rather than what he described as celebratory engagements by government officials.
Atiku stressed that leadership requires empathy and responsiveness, particularly in moments of national crisis affecting innocent citizens.
He said, “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.”
The former Vice President also questioned public activities linked to the office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, insisting that leaders should show greater sensitivity to families affected by the abduction.
He further drew a contrast between the emotional trauma of parents whose children are still missing and public political ceremonies being held across the country.
“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 said.
Atiku added that families of the victims continue to live in distress and uncertainty, awaiting updates on efforts to rescue their loved ones.
