May 29, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come under heavy criticism after failing to address the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo and Borno States during his nationwide broadcast marking the third anniversary of his administration.
Despite growing public outrage over worsening insecurity across Nigeria, the President insisted in his address that many communities and highways are becoming safer under his government.
The controversial omission comes barely two weeks after gunmen invaded Community High School in the Ahoro-Esinle area of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting several students alongside school officials, including the principal.
On the same day, suspected Boko Haram fighters linked to the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction reportedly kidnapped pupils of Mussa Askira Primary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, reigniting fears of another wave of terrorist attacks targeting schools in Northern Nigeria.
In his anniversary speech on Friday, President Tinubu stated that his administration had intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal groups threatening national peace.
According to the President:
“Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks.”
He further claimed that several communities and major highways across the country are becoming safer and more economically active due to ongoing security operations and investments in intelligence, surveillance technology, logistics, and inter-agency collaboration.
However, many Nigerians have expressed disappointment that the President failed to mention the kidnapped pupils and teachers who remain in captivity, especially at a time when parents and affected communities continue pleading for urgent government intervention.
The fresh school abductions have revived painful memories of previous mass kidnappings carried out by terrorist groups in Northern Nigeria, with citizens questioning the government’s claims of improved national security.
Security analysts and concerned citizens have continued to call on the Federal Government to prioritize the rescue of the victims and strengthen protection for schools across the country.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel
