Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over its handling of the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted by bandits in Maga, Kebbi State, last week.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Oseni faulted the government for engaging in negotiations with the bandits rather than deploying a forceful, “kinetic” security approach. He questioned why the administration, which secured a life imprisonment sentence for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, over inciting violence, would instead hold talks with armed groups responsible for kidnapping citizens.
“I am happy that the kidnapped children were released—hallelujah. But what do they mean when they say they spoke with the kidnappers or bandits and they released the people? Did you not arrest them? You just let them go so they can kidnap others?” Oseni said.
He further condemned what he described as a double standard: “You negotiated with criminals, bandits, and terrorists as what—business partners? Should a government that holds superpowers be negotiating? The same government jailed Nnamdi Kanu for inciting violence, yet those who abduct innocent people are being negotiated with.”
The 24 schoolgirls were released on Tuesday, a development President Tinubu reacted to by saying, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.”
However, the circumstances surrounding their release continue to stir public concern.
Earlier, rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, had also queried the rescue of 38 abducted worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in the Eruku area of Kwara State, insisting the operation raised questions since no kidnappers were apprehended.
Responding to the criticism, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said on Arise TV that security agencies often avoid direct attacks on bandits to prevent endangering the lives of victims.
