Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for applauding the negotiation-led release of Kebbi schoolgirls, calling it evidence of worsening security rather than an achievement.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government’s reaction to the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, saying, “No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku argued that their return “was not a trophy moment” but a stark reminder that terrorists “operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms” while the government “issues press statements to save face.” His remarks followed comments by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who explained on Arise News TV that the DSS and military tracked the kidnappers and established contact but avoided confrontation to protect civilians, saying, “They need to be very careful… they don’t go and bomb innocent Nigerians.”
Atiku dismissed this as an attempt to “whitewash a national tragedy,” questioning why the kidnappers were neither arrested nor prevented from escaping if security agencies had them under surveillance. Tribune Online reported that 25 students were abducted on November 17, with one escaping and 24 later freed. President Tinubu welcomed their release, saying he was relieved that “all the 24 girls have been accounted for,” while urging intensified security efforts nationwide.