The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday accused the All Progressives Congress–led Federal Government of failing in its constitutional duty to protect citizens, following renewed cases of school abductions in parts of the North.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the recent kidnapping of students in Kebbi and Niger States had further exposed what he described as the federal government’s inability to contain the worsening security crisis.
Ememobong faulted reports that the government was considering shutting down schools in high-risk states, insisting that such a move amounted to “surrendering” to bandits.
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According to him, “We warn that this closure, if undertaken, like many of this administration’s quick-fix approaches to serious governance issues, will amount to a complete surrender to terrorists whose sole aim is to shut down schools and prevent children from obtaining formal education.”
He expressed concern that the government had yet to unveil a coordinated response despite multiple attacks on schools within a few days. He described the presidency’s reaction to the incidents as “slow, lacklustre and unempathetic.”
Criticism of Tinubu’s Response
The PDP spokesman faulted President Bola Tinubu for directing the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi State instead of visiting affected communities personally to console parents and assess the situation.
“Instead of the President visiting Kebbi and Niger States to meet and sympathise with the parents of the children who are in captivity, and to address the security personnel there, he merely directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi,” he said.
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Ememobong noted that shutting down schools would further complicate the education crisis in the North, where UNICEF estimates that the bulk of Nigeria’s 18.3 million out-of-school children reside.
Call for Full Implementation of Safety Policy
He urged the federal government to adequately fund and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which emphasises community intelligence and rapid response mechanisms.
“Insecurity in schools will be a big disincentive for education in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria,” he warned.
He added that prolonged closures would deepen educational inequality and set back national academic performance.
“Examinations will not wait for security. So these children are either going to lose one term, lose two terms, or lose a year. Time lost can never be regained.”
Appeal for Stronger Community Cooperation
The PDP further criticised what it described as a breakdown in trust between citizens and security agencies, saying communities had become more vulnerable without effective local intelligence systems.
“Now we no longer have a trusted interface between the security services and the citizens. We must go back and address these issues comprehensively,” he stated.
International Assistance an Option
On whether Nigeria should seek foreign support, Ememobong said the decision lies with the government but advised the President to be open about any limitations.
“If they feel they are overwhelmed, let them tell us. Normally, we have international partners who can help.
But if you do not invite them, you can become a local meddlesome interloper if you seek to help,” he added.
He concluded by urging the President to either seek necessary assistance or step down.
“At any time government is unwilling, unable, or incapable of executing this primary role, such a government must either ask for help, locally or internationally or honourably resign, if it is sincere and responsible,” the PDP said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
