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Abducted children are our collective grief, says President Tinubu, as ex-Education Minister decries government insensitivity
President Bola Tinubu has described the abduction of Nigerian children as a collective grief while addressing the nation on Eid al-Kabir. Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has criticised the government's insensitivity to the welfare of Nigerian children still held captive in Borno and other states.
President Bola Tinubu has described the abduction of Nigerian children as a collective grief for the entire nation. Speaking to journalists at the Dodan Barracks after Eid al-Kabir prayers, the President addressed the ongoing insecurity crisis that has left numerous children in captivity across several states. Channels Television reported the remarks alongside sharp criticism from former officials.
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has strongly criticised what she described as the government's insensitivity to the welfare of Nigerian children. Her comments come as children from Borno state remain in captivity along with mothers and fathers from Kwara and Kogi states who have been held by armed groups for extended periods.
Political analyst Dr Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts, questioned what kind of father would sit by while children remain in captivity. He noted that government responses to security incidents have become formulaic, with press releases following a template that has remained essentially unchanged for a decade, showing no genuine empathy for victims.
The Eid al-Kabir celebrations were marked by the irony of the story of Abraham's sacrifice, a narrative shared by both Islam and Christianity about a father willing to do anything for his son. Critics drew a stark contrast between this religious ideal and what they see as the federal government's inadequate response to the plight of abducted children and their families.
The issue of kidnapping and child abduction remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria. Despite repeated promises from successive administrations to address insecurity, armed groups continue to operate with impunity in parts of the country. Civil society organisations and opposition figures have intensified calls for more decisive action to rescue those still held captive and prevent further abductions.