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 spending 56 days in captivity, but urged the federal government to demonstrate the same commitment in securing the release of schoolchildren and other victims still being held by kidnappers in Borno and Kwara State. The opposition party said although every successful rescue operation deserves commendation, the government’s ultimate responsibility is to prevent kidnappings rather than merely responding after they occur.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC commended the security agencies and all those involved in the operation that led to the victims’ freedom. “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 statement said.
The party expressed concern that many families whose loved ones remain in captivity have not received the same level of attention. “Even as we celebrate this positive development, we must not forget that many other families have lived through the same nightmare for much longer but appear not to receive the same level of attention. The pupils abducted in Borno State in May this year remain in captivity, while more than 100 people kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State are still in the den of kidnappers several months later.”
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The ADC argued that persistent insecurity under the current administration continues to undermine public confidence and economic development. “Under the Tinubu administration, insecurity has become an accepted part of everyday life for too many Nigerians. This is unacceptable. We cannot achieve meaningful economic growth, attract investment or build public confidence while kidnapping remains a recurring feature of national life,” it said.
Prevention Over Reaction
According to the ADC, the increasing wave of kidnappings highlights the need for the government to prioritize preventive measures rather than celebrating rescue operations as the benchmark for success. The party called on the federal government to sustain the momentum that led to the rescue of the Oriire victims by deploying the same intelligence, operational capacity and determination to secure the freedom of all Nigerians still in captivity.
“Every life matters equally. No victim should be forgotten because they are voiceless or lack vocal champions to keep their story in the headlines and on the national agenda,” the party stated. It also urged the government to move beyond reactive security responses by implementing a thorough strategy that addresses the root causes of insecurity, strengthens intelligence gathering, improves inter-agency coordination and restores effective state presence in vulnerable communities.
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For families dealing with the ongoing uncertainty of captives still missing, the gap between successful rescues and unresolved cases highlights a disconnect in national security priorities. While the joy of recovery brings temporary relief to one community, the reality for others is a prolonged state of limbo that lacks the same urgency, suggesting a systemic failure to protect all citizens equally.
“Today, we celebrate with the families in Oriire. But our celebration will not be complete until every abducted Nigerian returns home safely,” the statement added.