Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the Federal Government over rising insecurity in the country, following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and recent killings in Katsina State.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the incidents as further evidence of what he termed a “collapse of leadership” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, saying repeated attacks on schools and communities showed that criminal groups were gaining confidence across the country.
“At a time when armed criminals are abducting schoolchildren, slaughtering innocent citizens, and turning communities into graveyards, President Tinubu’s response remains the same tired ritual of condemnation and promises of justice that never seem to materialise,” the statement read.
The former Vice President specifically referenced the recent abduction in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and killings in Katsina, warning that the incidents were part of a broader pattern of insecurity spreading across regions.
“A President who only finds his voice after blood has been spilt is not leading but presiding over failure,” Atiku said.
He argued that the recurring violence reflects a breakdown in the authority of the state, noting that attacks on schools and rural communities have become increasingly frequent despite government assurances.
“When terrorists can invade schools, abduct children and teachers, and operate without consequence, it shows that the authority of the state has collapsed,” he added.
Atiku also criticised what he described as the government’s reliance on statements of condolence following violent incidents, saying such responses were no longer sufficient to reassure citizens.
“What comfort is ‘the full wrath of the law’ to families already burying their loved ones? What solace is another presidential statement to parents now terrified that sending their children to school may be a death sentence?” he asked.
He further alleged that there were disturbing attempts to control or suppress images and reports of violent incidents from public circulation.
“Even more disturbing are reports suggesting deliberate attempts to suppress images and documentation of these atrocities from reaching the Nigerian public,” he said.
“If this government is more interested in censoring evidence of mass killings than preventing them, then that is not incompetence—it is cruelty of the highest order.”
Atiku maintained that the situation represented not just a security failure but a deeper governance crisis.
“This is no longer just a security failure. It is a moral failure, a leadership failure, and a national disgrace,” he stated.
He called for urgent action to secure the release of abducted victims in Oyo State and urged the Federal Government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture to better protect vulnerable communities.
A coordinated attack by armed men on schools in Ahoro-Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, turned deadly after one abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity. The attackers invaded multiple schools on May 15, abducting teachers and pupils, while at least one teacher and a motorcyclist were initially killed during the raid.
The killing of Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School, was confirmed by the Oyo State Government after authorities reportedly received evidence from the abductors. Governor Seyi Makinde said seven teachers were kidnapped in the attack and vowed to continue rescue efforts for the remaining victims.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing, described it as barbaric, and said the Federal Government was working with Oyo State security agencies to rescue the remaining abductees and arrest those responsible. Several suspects and alleged collaborators have reportedly been arrested as rescue operations continue.
