The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of failing to curb escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the recent wave of mass kidnappings across Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ihi Ememobong, the opposition party described the spate of abductions — including the kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi and 315 students and staff in Niger State — as a “trail of sorrows, tears, blood, fear and deep anguish” for families and communities affected.
The PDP faulted what it called the federal government’s lack of clear direction, noting that state governments in affected regions had taken disparate measures, including contemplating school closures, without federal coordination. The party warned that shutting schools would amount to “complete surrender to terrorists,” whose objective includes halting formal education in Northern Nigeria.
Quoting UNICEF figures, the PDP highlighted the already alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria — 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the secondary level — warning that school closures would worsen the situation.
The statement also criticised President Tinubu’s response to the incidents, describing it as “lacklustre and unsympathetic.” The PDP said the President should have visited affected states to meet families of abducted children rather than directing the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi.
According to the party, the federal government must urgently fund and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, emphasising community intelligence and rapid security response.
The PDP insisted that securing lives and property remains a primary duty of government, adding that any administration unable to fulfil this responsibility should “either ask for help or honourably resign.”
The statement was signed by Comrade Ihi Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.
