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Former VP Atiku Abubakar criticises FG over Kebbi schoolgirls’ release, calling it a reflection of Nigeria’s security failures.
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Atiku dismisses government claims of tracking kidnappers, calling it “whitewashing incompetence” instead of neutralising terrorists.
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The Kebbi abduction saw 25 girls kidnapped, 24 released safely; no ransom reportedly paid, says state governor.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government’s portrayal of the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State as a success, arguing it underscores Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku said the girls’ freedom “is not a trophy moment” but rather “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms, while the government issues press statements to save face.”
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The statement responded to comments by Presidential Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, who highlighted that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military tracked the kidnappers in real time and secured the release without paying ransom.
Atiku rejected the narrative, calling it “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.” He questioned why security operatives, if aware of the bandits’ locations, did not arrest or neutralise them.
He said: “Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Kidnapping has now become a routine phone call between criminals and state officials.”
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The abduction occurred on November 17, when armed assailants attacked Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi, killing one staff member and abducting 25 students. One girl escaped shortly after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the girls’ release, commending the security agencies and calling for more “boots on the ground” to rescue other abducted persons nationwide. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris confirmed no ransom was paid, attributing the success to coordinated actions by security forces.
Atiku’s critique reflects growing concerns over security lapses and government handling of terrorism and kidnappings in Nigeria.
