Atiku Abubakar criticizes Tinubu administration over Oyo abductions and First Lady's response

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the response of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration regarding the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, stated that Nigerians are entitled to greater empathy and urgency from government officials while the victims remain in the hands of kidnappers. The criticism comes nearly three weeks after the abduction from three schools in Esinele, Oriire Local Government. In a statement, Atiku accused the administration of appearing more focused on political activities than addressing the victims' plight, finding it difficult to reconcile public engagements and celebratory activities with the anguish of the families. He specifically criticized the First Lady, arguing that her public celebrations and political engagements sent the wrong message, especially given her role as a mother figure. Atiku emphasized that a true mother would not celebrate while children are missing and would use every platform to highlight their plight. He warned that the increasing frequency of kidnappings risks creating a dangerous sense of normalcy if government responses are not swift and decisive, calling for the deployment of all security and intelligence resources for the immediate release of the abductees and justice for those responsible. Atiku concluded that Nigerians need leadership and results, not polit