The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of “capitulating to terrorists” following the surge in mass kidnappings across Northern Nigeria, including the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and 315 students and staff in Niger State within one week.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said the wave of attacks has left families and communities in sorrow, fear and despair, while the Federal Government has “failed to provide clear direction.”
PDP Warns Against School Closures
The PDP warned that the ongoing closure of schools in some northern states — and the reported consideration of a nationwide directive — amounts to “a full surrender to terrorists,” whose aim is to halt formal education in the region.
According to the statement, shutting down schools would “inadvertently achieve the goal of the terrorists,” many of whom openly oppose Western education.
The party urged the government to adopt a comprehensive security strategy rather than resorting to what it described as “quick-fix measures aimed at scoring cheap political points.”
The PDP referenced UNICEF data showing that Northern Nigeria hosts the majority of the country’s 18.3 million out-of-school children, stressing that further school closures would worsen an already dire situation.
Opposition Criticises FG’s Response to Kidnappings
The statement also criticised the Tinubu administration for what it called a “lacklustre and unempathetic” response to the crises.
The PDP faulted the President for not visiting the affected states, arguing that delegating the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi fell short of demonstrating national leadership.
It contrasted the government’s diplomatic delegations to international events with what it termed the “minimal attention” given to the kidnappings, describing it as insensitive and dismissive of the gravity of the situation.
Call for Full Implementation of School Safety Policy
The opposition party urged immediate implementation and funding of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which focuses on community intelligence systems and rapid-response mechanisms to counter school attacks.
The PDP insisted that insecurity around schools risks deterring enrolment, especially in Northern Nigeria, and could deepen the region’s educational crisis.
“Ask for Help or Resign,” PDP Tells FG
Reaffirming that the protection of lives and property remains the core responsibility of any government, the PDP called on the Federal Government to “seek help — locally or internationally — or resign honourably” if it cannot fulfil this obligation.
The party said Nigerians are living under a “new reality of fear” and insisted that the current administration must take decisive action to restore safety in schools and communities nationwide.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
