Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, saying the development brought relief to Nigerians but also raised questions because it happened on the same day the All Progressives Congress began its nationwide campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku congratulated the Nigerian military and other security agencies for successfully securing the victims’ freedom after weeks in captivity. He said the operation deserved recognition because it ended the suffering of the schoolchildren, teachers and their families.
Despite welcoming the rescue, Atiku criticised the Federal Government for beginning political activities while the victims were still in the hands of kidnappers. He argued that rescuing citizens and improving security should have remained the government’s main focus before launching any political campaign for the next general election.
The former vice president said the safety of Nigerians should always come before political interests. According to him, the government should have concentrated fully on ending insecurity and giving hope to affected families before shifting attention to the 2027 election.
Atiku also said the office of the Commander-in-Chief comes with the responsibility of providing visible leadership during periods of national crisis. He maintained that Nigerians expect the President to take an active role in moments that affect the country’s security and the well-being of its citizens.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and spent several weeks in captivity before security agencies secured their release. The Federal Government announced the successful operation on Friday, the same day the APC unveiled its door-to-door campaign for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The rescue has been welcomed by many Nigerians, although political reactions have continued over the timing of the operation and the government’s handling of the security situation.