Oyo schoolkidnap criticism: Atiku Abubakar accuses President Tinubu of prioritising politics over rescue efforts for abducted Oyo schoolchildren

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu of prioritising political engagements over efforts to secure the release of abducted Oyo State schoolchildren and teachers.

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Criticism over Oyo School kidnapping was made in a statement issued on Friday by Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, amid ongoing public concern over the May 15, 2026 abduction incident that has triggered nationwide outrage and calls for urgent government intervention.

Several schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped in Oyo State in an attack that has continued to draw protests and demands for their safe return, with families still awaiting official updates on rescue efforts.

In his remarks, Atiku expressed disappointment that, while the nation remains in distress over the missing abductees, senior government officials have continued with political and public engagements that he described as insensitive to the prevailing national mood.

He specifically criticised activities linked to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alleging that such events reflect a disconnect from the urgency of the crisis.

“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing,” Atiku said. “A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones.”

He further argued that national attention should remain focused on the abducted pupils and their teachers, insisting that public expectations include urgency, compassion and sustained governmental pressure to secure their release.

“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion,” he added. “What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry.”

The Presidency has yet to formally respond to the latest remarks at the time of filing this report.

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The abduction incident continues to heighten political tension and public debate over security response mechanisms in the country, as pressure mounts on authorities to ensure the safe return of the victims.