Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not publicly reacting to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a post on X on Saturday, Onanuga said nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom, Atiku had yet to acknowledge the development or congratulate the Federal Government, security agencies and the rescued victims.

According to Onanuga, Atiku had repeatedly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration during the 57 days the pupils and teachers were held captive but had remained silent since their release.

He suggested that the former vice president had turned the abduction into a political issue and questioned why he had not commented on the successful rescue.

Onanuga, however, commended Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for welcoming the victims’ release. He noted that Obi called for thanksgiving and expressed relief over the successful operation, although he did not directly praise President Tinubu.

The 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area. One abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the kidnappers.

Throughout the period of captivity, Atiku repeatedly criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the incident, insisting that rescuing the victims should take precedence over other government activities. He also questioned the administration’s response and urged greater urgency in tackling the crisis.

Following Friday’s rescue, Onanuga disclosed that security forces secured the victims’ release without negotiating with the kidnappers. He said eight suspected gang members were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services, while several others were killed during the operation. He added that the kingpin whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.

Reacting to the rescue, Obi said he was relieved and delighted by the victims’ safe return, thanking security personnel and everyone involved in the operation. He nevertheless urged authorities to intensify efforts against kidnapping nationwide, warning that the successful rescue should not overshadow Nigeria’s broader security challenges.

President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also welcomed the victims’ release, praising the military, the Department of State Services and the police for carrying out the operation without making concessions to the abductors.