Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Release Not A Victory — Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, saying their freedom should not be celebrated but seen as evidence of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku described the return of the girls as “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.”
His comments came in response to remarks by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who told Arise News TV on Monday that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military tracked the kidnappers in real time and secured the girls’ release without paying ransom.
Onanuga explained that security operatives often face constraints due to the risk of collateral damage to civilians, saying, “Our people are living around where they operate. So you can’t just go there. They need to be very careful that in the course of chasing these bandits, they don’t go and bomb innocent Nigerians.”
Atiku rejected this explanation, calling it “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.”
He questioned why the kidnappers were not arrested or neutralised if they were under surveillance, asking, “Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Why is kidnapping now reduced to a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?”
He added that the administration’s stance “suggests that terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
Atiku emphasised, “No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to have under surveillance. No responsible government congratulates itself for allowing abductors to walk back into the forests to kidnap again.”
The Kebbi abduction occurred on November 17, when gunmen stormed Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, killing a staff member and kidnapping 25 students. One girl escaped, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Tinubu, through Onanuga, welcomed the release, expressing relief that all the girls were accounted for and commending the security agencies.
He called for increased security presence in troubled areas and instructed forces to prioritise rescuing other captives nationwide.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris also confirmed no ransom was paid, attributing the release to coordinated action by security personnel.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
