Onanuga Criticises Atiku Over Silence on Rescued Oyo Pupils, Praises Obi's Reaction

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Ruth .J

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for failing to publicly react to the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, while commending former presidential candidate Peter Obi for acknowledging their release.

The pupils and teachers regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction by armed men in May. The rescue was confirmed by Onanuga, who announced that security agencies had successfully secured the victims' release, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for their families and the wider public.

Reacting in a post on his verified X account, Onanuga questioned Atiku's silence over the development despite the former vice president's previous criticism of the Federal Government's handling of the abduction. He argued that public figures who condemn insecurity should also acknowledge positive outcomes when victims are rescued, saying such recognition would encourage security personnel and demonstrate fairness in public discourse.

Onanuga, however, praised Peter Obi for publicly welcoming the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. According to him, Obi's response reflected empathy for the victims and recognition of the efforts of security agencies involved in the operation. The presidential aide said acknowledging successful rescue efforts does not diminish legitimate concerns about insecurity but helps recognise progress when it occurs.

Before the victims' release, Obi had been vocal about the prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers, criticising the Federal Government's response to the abduction. He had also questioned the handling of the incident and called for greater leadership and accountability in addressing the country's worsening security challenges.

The rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren has been widely welcomed across the country, although security agencies have yet to provide full details of the operation. The Presidency has disclosed that several suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while efforts continue to track down other suspects linked to the abduction.