The Presidency criticises Atiku over Oyo rescue after accusing the former vice president of failing to publicly acknowledge the release of pupils, teachers, women and children abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made the remarks on Saturday through a post on his verified X account, where he said Atiku Abubakar had not commented on the successful rescue several hours after the victims regained their freedom.
Presidency Criticises Atiku Over Oyo Rescue
According to Onanuga, Atiku had repeatedly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the abduction but had not reacted after security agencies secured the victims’ release.
In his post, Onanuga argued that the former vice president had previously used the kidnapping to criticise the Federal Government and questioned why he had remained silent after the operation ended successfully.
The presidential aide further suggested that Atiku had missed an opportunity to commend security personnel and sympathise publicly with the rescued victims.
Presidency Commends Peter Obi’s Response
While criticising Atiku, Onanuga praised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for acknowledging the rescue.
He noted that Obi called for thanksgiving following the victims’ release, although he did not specifically commend President Tinubu or the Commander-in-Chief.
Rescue Followed Coordinated Security Operation
The Presidency’s comments came a day after federal authorities announced that all abducted women, children, pupils and teachers taken by armed attackers in Orire Local Government Area had been rescued.
Government officials said the victims regained their freedom through coordinated operations involving Nigerian security agencies. However, authorities have not disclosed operational details or whether arrests were made during the rescue mission.
Atiku Yet to Respond
As of the time this report was filed, Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to the Presidency’s criticism or issued a statement regarding the rescue operation.
No explanation has been offered by the former vice president for the absence of a public reaction.
Background
The abduction in Orire Local Government Area attracted widespread public concern and renewed debate over insecurity in parts of Nigeria. During the period the victims remained in captivity, political leaders, civil society groups and citizens called for intensified efforts to secure their release.
The successful rescue has since become a new point of political debate, with government officials and opposition figures facing public scrutiny over their responses to the development.
The Presidency criticises Atiku over Oyo rescue following claims that the former vice president failed to publicly react after the release of abducted pupils, teachers and other victims in Oyo State. While the Presidency has welcomed comments from Peter Obi, Atiku had not responded to the criticism as of press time.