After Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers Regain Freedom, ADC Demands Rescue of Borno, Kwara Kidnap Victims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigeria's federal government to apply the same level of urgency to rescuing citizens held captive in Borno and Kwara states as was demonstrated in the recent release of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo.

“

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 opposition party criticized what it described as a selective approach to security, stating that while the rescue of 56 abducted individuals from Oyo State was commendable, many others kidnapped in different parts of the country remain in captivity for months without similar national attention. The ADC congratulated the rescued victims and their families but insisted that every kidnapping case must be treated with equal importance.

“

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 after.

"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 in a statement. It argued that successful rescue operations, while celebrated, should not be the primary measure of the government's security performance.

“

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 ADC maintained that the true benchmark for success is creating an environment where children can attend school safely, travelers can use roads without fear, and citizens can conduct daily activities without the constant threat of abduction. The party expressed concern that insecurity has become a routine feature of daily life, undermining public confidence and hindering economic development and investment.

“

Every successful rescue is worth celebrating. But every kidnapping is also a reminder that the primary duty of the government is to ensure that citizens are not abducted in the first place.