The Presidency has urged Nigerians to refrain from comparing the kidnapping of relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, with the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, insisting that the two incidents involve different criminal networks and circumstances.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the motives behind the two kidnappings are fundamentally different, making it inappropriate to assess government responses using the same standard.
Ajayi’s remarks followed growing public concern and calls for authorities to secure the release of the Ogbomoso pupils and teachers with the same speed that led to the rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons.
The presidential aide dismissed allegations that security agencies were being selective in their rescue efforts, maintaining that the government remains committed to securing the freedom of all victims.
According to him, the kidnapping involving Adelabu’s relatives was carried out by an urban criminal gang seeking financial gain and holding victims within a community, while the Ogbomoso incident involves armed terrorists operating deep within forested areas.
“Those who are comparing the Adelabu’s sister and her twins situation to the Ogbomoso kids and their teachers are totally wrong,” Ajayi stated.
He explained that the differing nature of the criminal groups involved requires distinct operational strategies from security agencies.
“It is wrong to compare the urban gang of kidnappers who engage in copycat crime to make money and hide victims inside a flat within the community to a band of terrorists operating deep inside the bush. The two sets of criminals have different motivations and agendas,” he said.
Ajayi, however, reassured Nigerians that efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain ongoing and expressed confidence that they would regain their freedom soon.
“The Ogbomoso children and their teachers will be rescued, and government/security agencies are not selective, as falsely claimed. The approach to the two incidents can’t be the same,” he added.
He further urged Nigerians to celebrate the successful rescue of Adelabu’s family members while continuing to hope and pray for the safe return of those still being held captive.
“We should be happy that the woman and her twins are safely home while we pray for quicker rescue of those still in the bush with their abductors,” Ajayi stated.