Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect Nigerians, following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States.
Atiku also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards the safe rescue of the victims, who were abducted in separate attacks on schools in both states.
No fewer than 42 pupils were kidnapped on May 15 during attacks on Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School in Mussa town, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
On the same day, over 40 students and teachers were abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A teacher was killed during the attacks.
Speaking via a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Atiku expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, describing it as a major threat to the nation’s education system and a setback to the government’s Safe Schools initiative.
He lamented the increasing frequency of attacks by terrorists and bandits, saying citizens were being targeted with little or no effective response from authorities.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the people,” Atiku said, adding that President Tinubu had failed to meet that obligation.
He added: “President Tinubu has no moral or political latitude to stay in Aso Rock a day longer if tens and hundreds of abducted citizens continue to languish in captivity across the country.
“What type of government allows non-state actors to turn its territory into killing fields and centres for kidnapping and extortion?”
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The former vice president said security should not be reduced to political rhetoric, insisting that Nigerians expect prompt and decisive action against terrorism and banditry.
According to him, prolonged abduction cases only embolden criminal groups and encourage future attacks on schools and communities.
“Impunity makes terrorists bolder and more determined to carry out future attacks. Citizens look up to the government for urgent intervention against banditry and terrorism,” he said.
Atiku further stated that public condemnation of attacks by government officials was not enough unless backed by concrete rescue operations and effective prosecution of offenders.
Atiku also criticised delays in terrorism-related trials and called for the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of terrorists and bandits.
“We urgently need special courts to speed up the trial of terrorists and bandits in the country,” the ADC presidential candidate said.
Atiku added that the death penalty should be enforced for terrorism-related offences, stressing that such measures would only be effective if government demonstrates the political will to implement them.
