Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, saying their so-called achievement is just shameful attempt to whitewash national tragedy.
In a statement from his media office on Wednesday, Atiku said the development was “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 reaction followed comments by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during an interview on Arise News TV, where he highlighted the involvement of the DSS and the military in tracking the kidnappers and establishing contact to secure the girls’ release.
Onanuga said security operatives were cautious because civilians lived close to the bandits’ hideouts, making direct confrontation risky. “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,” he said.
Atiku rejected that explanation, describing it as “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.” He questioned why, if security agencies could “track” the kidnappers and had “made contact” with them, the criminals were not arrested or prevented from escaping.
He asked: “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?”
Atiku added that the administration’s account suggested that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
He further said: “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 schoolgirls were abducted on November 17, when armed attackers invaded Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. One staff member was killed, and 25 students were taken from their dormitory. One escaped soon after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed their return through a statement issued by Onanuga, saying he was relieved that “all the 24 girls have been accounted for.” He also urged security forces to intensify efforts in other troubled areas.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said no ransom was paid and credited the coordinated work of security agencies for the release.