Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Oyo School Abduction, Demands Immediate Rescue of Victims

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has intensified criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging the Federal Government to secure their release or acknowledge shortcomings in its security response.

The latest criticism follows the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has heightened concerns over the safety of educational institutions and rural communities across Nigeria. According to reports, one teacher was killed during the attack, while several pupils and education workers remain in captivity.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Atiku described the worsening security situation as evidence of a deeper leadership challenge. He argued that repeated condemnations by government officials have failed to stem the rising tide of kidnappings, killings, and attacks on vulnerable communities. The former vice president called for urgent and decisive action to rescue the victims and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

Atiku maintained that Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the frequency of attacks targeting schools, highways, and rural settlements. He urged the Federal Government to move beyond public assurances and demonstrate concrete results through the safe recovery of those still being held by their abductors.

The President, however, has assured affected families that the Federal Government is committed to rescuing the victims. Tinubu recently expressed sorrow over the killing of a teacher during the attack and reaffirmed that security agencies are pursuing intelligence-led operations to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. He stated that both kinetic and non-kinetic measures are being deployed as part of ongoing rescue efforts.

The Federal Government has also announced additional security measures, including the deployment of a specialised rescue unit and plans to strengthen security presence in vulnerable forest corridors often exploited by criminal groups. Authorities say these efforts are aimed at facilitating the safe return of the victims and preventing future attacks.

The Oyo abduction has once again placed the issue of insecurity at the centre of national discourse, with opposition figures, civil society groups, and concerned citizens calling for stronger measures to protect schools and communities from criminal attacks. As rescue operations continue, families of the abducted victims remain hopeful for the safe return of their loved ones.