ADC welcomes the rescue of Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, demanding equal efforts to free victims in Borno and Kwara.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, while calling on the Federal Government to give the same level of attention to victims still being held by kidnappers in Borno and Kaiama, Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the rescue was encouraging but stressed that many families were still waiting for their loved ones to return home.
The party commended the security agencies and everyone involved in the operation.
“We commend the security agencies and all those whose efforts made this rescue possible. Most importantly, we rejoice with the families whose long traumatic wait for the safe return of the victims has finally come to an end.”
The ADC, however, said pupils abducted in Borno State in May and more than 100 people kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State, remained in captivity.
“We believe that the suffering of these victims deserves the same urgency, determination as well as the national and international attention that brought the Oriire victims home.”
The party said the focus should not only be on rescue operations but also on preventing kidnappings.
“Every successful rescue is worth celebrating. But every kidnapping is also a reminder that the primary duty of government is to ensure that citizens are not abducted in the first place.”
It added: “The true measure of success is whether parents across Nigeria can send their children to school without fear, whether travellers can use our roads without anxiety, and whether ordinary Nigerians can live their daily lives free from the constant threat of violent criminals.”
The ADC criticised the security situation under the current administration, saying, “Under the Tinubu government, for too many Nigerians, insecurity has become an accepted part of everyday life. This is unacceptable.”
The party urged the Federal Government to sustain the efforts that secured the release of the Oriire victims and extend the same commitment to those still in captivity.
“Every life matters equally. No victim should be forgotten because they are voiceless or lack vocal champions to keep their story on the headlines and national focus.”
The ADC also called for a broader security strategy that addresses the root causes of insecurity, strengthens intelligence gathering, improves inter-agency coordination and protects vulnerable communities.
“Today, we celebrate with the families in Oriire. But our celebration will not be complete until every abducted Nigerian returns home safely.”