Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, describing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as further evidence of the country’s worsening security situation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso underscored the increasing vulnerability of Nigerians to criminal attacks.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men reportedly attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reacting to the incident, Atiku alleged that insecurity had become a persistent feature of national life under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the former vice-president, many families now live in constant fear of kidnappers, with some reportedly setting aside funds for possible ransom payments in the same way they budget for education and other essential needs.
He also faulted reports that government officials distributed bags of rice and other relief materials to families of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the gesture as inadequate given the circumstances.
Atiku argued that the affected families were primarily concerned with the safe return of their children and loved ones rather than receiving palliatives.
The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that such a response could create the impression that authorities were not doing enough to address the security crisis and secure the release of the victims.
