Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the Nigerian government over the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, describing their freedom as a “damning reminder” of the country’s escalating security crisis.

In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku argued that the return of the girls should not be celebrated as an achievement, but rather as a stark illustration of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity. He referred to the situation as “not a trophy moment,” but a “clear indication that terrorists now operate with impunity, negotiating openly and dictating terms, while this administration merely issues press releases to save face.”

 

Atiku’s comments were a direct response to statements made by Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, during an interview onNational Television, Onanuga had praised the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military in tracking the kidnappers in real time and facilitating the girls’ release without paying a ransom.

“The security forces know the bandits operating in that area, they know where they are, and they know the risk of collateral damage,” Onanuga said, defending the government’s actions. He added that security personnel must carefully balance their operations to avoid harm to civilians.

 

However, Atiku rejected Onanuga’s narrative, calling it a “shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy” and mask the government’s incompetence.

“If, as Onanuga claims, the DSS and military could ‘track’ the kidnappers in real time and ‘made contact’ with them, then why were these criminals not neutralized or arrested on the spot?” Atiku asked. “Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Why has kidnapping become just another routine phone call between criminals and state officials?”

 

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He added that the administration’s explanation suggested that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”

Atiku further emphasized that no responsible government would applaud itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to have under surveillance, nor would it congratulate itself for allowing criminals to remain free to continue their operations.

 

The abduction occurred on November 17, when gunmen attacked the school in Maga, killing one staff member and kidnapping 25 students from their dormitory. One girl managed to escape, leaving 24 girls in captivity until their release on Tuesday.

In response to the release, President Bola Tinubu expressed relief that all 24 girls had been accounted for, praising the efforts of security agencies. A statement issued by Onanuga emphasized that the federal government would continue to prioritize security operations in troubled areas and urged for an increased presence of security forces in regions facing similar threats.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris also confirmed that no ransom had been paid, crediting the release to the coordinated efforts of security agencies.

 

 

Source: Punch