- The ADC criticized President Tinubu for prioritizing some kidnapping victims over others.
- Families of abducted individuals are calling for timely updates on rescue efforts.
- Insecurity in various regions remains a pressing challenge despite government assurances.
- The party emphasized the need for equal value for all Nigerian lives in crisis situations.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced strong concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the apparent discrepancy in the urgency granted to various kidnapping cases. In a recent statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, it was highlighted that residents of Woro community in Kaiama, Kwara State, have been missing since February 3, 2026, and the government has yet to provide meaningful updates or timelines concerning their rescue.
The ADC expressed that the president's recent celebration of successful rescues in Oyo State has led to growing frustration among families of those still in captivity. Abdullahi illustrated how these circumstances have sparked inquiries about the fate of victims detained in Kaiama, Borno, and other affected regions. This discrepancy in the administration’s response has prompted the party to accuse the president of engendering a perception that some lives hold greater value than others.
In this critical juncture, the ADC pointed out that the ongoing violent incidents, such as the recent abduction of 40 residents in Zamfara and increasing attacks in Benue, reveal a troubling trend of persistent insecurity. The plight of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, a Kebbi High Court Judge abducted from his residence, further exemplifies the widespread nature of this crisis.
The party urged President Tinubu to ensure that each Nigerian life receives equal consideration, stressing that leadership should embody compassion rather than selective responses to crises. The ADC referenced a peaceful protest on July 24, 2026, by the residents of Kaiama, who echoed the haunting questions regarding the fates of their loved ones. Over 170 days should not yield silence nor a lack of governmental accountability, they argued.
Abdullahi demanded specific progress updates related to the multiple kidnapping incidents across Nigeria, including the 176 abductees from Kaiama, the women and children taken in Zamfara, and the ongoing situation regarding Justice Bunza. He emphasized that citizens deserve more than vague reassurances; they are entitled to concrete actions and transparent timelines that signify robust efforts in tackling these security challenges.
As the administration continues to assert that improvements in security are forthcoming, there is a palpable skepticism amongst the populace regarding these repeated promises. Dubbed a “professional statement-maker” by critics, President Tinubu faces mounting pressure to deliver real results in combating insecurity.
Why This Matters: The ADC's call for accountability regarding the treatment of kidnapping victims highlights the urgency of equitable governmental responses in addressing national security issues. Ensuring that all citizens feel valued and protected is vital for societal cohesion and trust in leadership.
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