Presidency Questions Atiku’s Silence After Release of Abducted Oyo Pupils

The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for failing to publicly react to the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, while commending former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for acknowledging the successful operation.

The criticism was made by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his official X account on Saturday.

The development comes after a joint team of security operatives rescued the remaining victims who had spent 56 days in captivity following their abduction from three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

According to security authorities, the attack claimed the life of one teacher during the abduction, while another teacher reportedly died in captivity. The rescue operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects, with several others killed during the operation.

Reacting to the successful rescue, Onanuga questioned Atiku’s silence nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom.

“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga wrote.

He alleged that the former vice president had repeatedly used the abduction to criticise the Tinubu administration but had remained silent after the victims were rescued.

“Previously, he weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue several times since it happened 57 days ago. Now that the abductees are out, all is quiet on Atiku’s internet lane. No comment. No words of praise. Maybe the veteran presidential runner is waiting for some bad news to attack the Tinubu administration,” he added.

Onanuga, however, praised Peter Obi for publicly reacting to the rescue, despite not commending President Tinubu directly.

“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief,” he stated.

Earlier on Saturday, Obi welcomed the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, expressing gratitude to the security personnel and everyone involved in securing their freedom.

“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor, however, stressed that the incident highlighted the need for stronger security measures across the country.

“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture,” he added.

The rescue of the victims has drawn widespread reactions from political leaders and Nigerians, with many commending the security agencies for ending the 56-day ordeal without further loss of life.