Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of school children abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno States, while also demanding the resignation of President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Atiku Media Office, Atiku expressed deep concern over recent mass abductions, warning that Nigeria’s security situation has reached a critical level.
He recounted that at least 42 school children were kidnapped on May 15 during terrorist attacks on Government Day Secondary School, Mussa; Central Primary School; and the SUBEB Secondary School in Mussa town, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
He also noted that on the same day, more than 40 students and teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
According to him, the incidents included a gruesome killing of a teacher, while abducted pupils were held in captivity during the Children’s Day celebration, highlighting what he described as the government’s failure to respond effectively.
Atiku criticised the administration’s handling of security, stating that repeated attacks on schools undermine the Safe Schools initiative and endanger the future of education in Nigeria.
He further accused the government of failing to demonstrate sufficient capacity to protect lives and property, insisting that leadership requires urgent and decisive action rather than statements of condemnation.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the people,” he said, adding that the current situation reflects a collapse of effective governance in addressing terrorism and kidnapping.
Atiku argued that prolonged captivity of abducted citizens signals weak deterrence against criminal groups and emboldens further attacks across the country.
He called for immediate rescue operations and stronger security responses, stressing that Nigerians expect results rather than promises.
He also recommended structural reforms in the justice system, including the establishment of special courts to accelerate terrorism trials and stricter enforcement of penalties for convicted offenders.
According to him, delays in prosecution weaken the fight against terrorism and banditry, while the absence of decisive political will further undermines justice delivery.
Atiku maintained that official condemnations alone are insufficient, insisting that only swift and effective action can restore public confidence in government.
