‘Children Of Nobody Are Still In Captivity,’ Yoruba Union Accuses Tinubu Of Prioritising Politicians’ Families Over Ordinary Nigerians

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of placing greater value on the lives of wealthy and politically connected families than ordinary Nigerians, following the rescue of the sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin children while dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain in captivity.

The group said although it welcomed the rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her 12-year-old twin sons, it was disturbed by the government’s selective attention to kidnapping victims based on their social and political status.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Convener of the Union, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the organisation stated that the successful rescue of the minister’s relatives highlighted the disparity in the government’s response to cases involving influential individuals and those involving ordinary citizens.

According to the group, many schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists have remained in captivity for more than 27 days without receiving the same level of attention from authorities.

The Union also criticised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accusing her of engaging in political activities while families of kidnapped children continue to suffer.

“We welcome the rescue of Adebayo Adelabu’s sister and her 12-year-old twin sons. Every Nigerian deserves to be rescued from the hands of criminals. However, what is troubling is the priority being given to the rescue of politically connected families while more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers remain in terrorist captivity,” the statement said.

The group further accused the Oyo State Government of allegedly creating unnecessary tension through public statements regarding the kidnapping incident.

“More disturbing is how the Oyo State Government is creating tension over non-existing demands publicly announced by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly,” Ìgbìnmó MájékóbájéIlé-Yorùbá said .

Expressing concern over the condition of the abducted children and teachers, the Union said the victims have been exposed to harsh weather conditions and uncertainty while remaining in the custody of their captors.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our schoolchildren and their teachers. They have been with the terrorists for over 27 days, enduring cold weather, heavy rainfall and scorching sunshine.

“All we see is the wife of the President dancing and celebrating with political women leaders while more than 40 schoolchildren from Orire Local Government Area remain with terrorists. At the same time, over 174 children and women from Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are also reportedly still being held by terrorists.”

The organisation accused President Tinubu and the First Lady of paying insufficient attention to the plight of kidnapped citizens.

“President Tinubu and his wife should be ashamed of themselves. Instead of focusing on rescuing our children and ensuring the arrest of the terrorists responsible for these crimes, they appear more concerned about political calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” the group alleged.

According to Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, the rescue of Adelabu’s relatives has reinforced public perceptions that influential Nigerians receive preferential treatment from government authorities.

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that poor and oppressed Nigerians are not receiving the same level of care and protection as wealthy and influential citizens under the current administration. The rescue of Adelabu’s family has clearly demonstrated how citizens are valued and treated differently,” Yoruba Union said.

The organisation further referenced recent security operations in the North-East, arguing that authorities should devote similar resources to securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

“The Tinubu government recently announced the rescue of 416 women and children in Borno State. We expected that the same determination would be deployed towards rescuing our schoolchildren and their teachers.

“President Tinubu should not use the lives of our children for political publicity. These children represent our future, and their safety should be treated as a national emergency.”

The Union called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, women and other victims currently being held by terrorists across the country.

It also urged Nigerians to carefully evaluate political leaders based on their commitment to protecting citizens.

“We call on Nigerians to support and vote for leaders they genuinely believe will protect them, defend their interests and represent them responsibly,” they added.