Christmas In Captivity: Yoruba Union Slams Tinubu’s Holiday Plan As Abducted ECWA Worshippers Languish In Bandits’ Den

Ikeja,  Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his reported plan to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with his family while scores of Nigerians, including abducted ECWA Church worshippers from Ayetoro Kiri in Kogi State, remain in the custody of armed bandits.

The union described the situation as morally disturbing and emblematic of what it called the Federal Government’s persistent failure to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid worsening insecurity across the country.

The abducted worshippers—men, women, children, and elderly members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—were kidnapped during a violent attack on the Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In a statement signed by the union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said the prospect of the victims spending Christmas in captivity underscores the depth of Nigeria’s security crisis and the apparent disconnect between the country’s leadership and the lived realities of ordinary Nigerians.

“The President appears comfortable taking a holiday with his family while hundreds of innocent citizens are being held in the dens of bandits and terrorists across the country,” the union said.

“This sends a painful message to victims and their families—that their suffering is not urgent enough to warrant full presidential attention.”

The union accused the President of being detached from the anguish of citizens who now live in constant fear of abduction, displacement, and violent attacks, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

It further criticised state governors and top government officials and security chiefs for what it described as a culture of privilege and indifference, noting that those entrusted with the protection of lives and property continue to enjoy state-funded comfort while taxpayers are exposed to daily threats.

“Public office holders move with heavy security details, fly private jets, and celebrate holidays in comfort, while the people who fund the state through their taxes are kidnapped, raped, killed, or forced to sell their life savings to raise ransom,” the group said.

Challenging President Tinubu to show empathy and leadership, the union asked: “As the father of the nation, how would he feel if his own children or grandchildren were abducted and held by terrorists? He would undoubtedly deploy every available resource—military, intelligence, and diplomatic—to secure their freedom.”

The group stressed that similar urgency should be shown for all Nigerians, regardless of social status or political relevance.

The statement listed several ongoing abduction cases across the country, noting that insecurity is no longer limited to one region.

“Over 100 schoolchildren in Niger State, ECWA worshippers in Kogi State, a traditional ruler and several families in Kwara State, as well as countless victims in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and other states, remain in captivity,” the union said.

According to Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, the continued silence or routine assurances from the Federal Government have done little to restore public confidence.

The union argued that the President should have declared a state of emergency on insecurity long ago and personally visited the most affected states to assess the situation, comfort victims’ families, and give clear marching orders to security agencies.

“If the President truly values Nigerian lives, he would shelve any holiday plans and devote this period to confronting the insecurity crisis head-on,” they said.

“Leadership demands sacrifice, especially at a time when the nation is bleeding.”

The union warned that the absence of accountability has emboldened criminal elements and fostered a sense of impunity among perpetrators, while victims are left to negotiate their freedom through ransom payments.

“Families of abducted persons are selling land, houses, farms, and businesses to raise ransom,” the group said.

“Children are withdrawn from school, livelihoods are destroyed, and entire communities are traumatised—yet the government continues to handle terrorists with kid gloves.”

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on President Tinubu to cancel his holiday plans and instead spend the festive period visiting communities ravaged by banditry and kidnapping, particularly Ayetoro Kiri and other affected areas.

The group also urged the President to issue firm directives to security agencies to intensify rescue operations, dismantle terrorist networks, improve intelligence gathering, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for abductions and violent crimes.

“Watching vulnerable ECWA worshippers—children, women, and elderly men—remain in captivity during Christmas is heartbreaking,” Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said.

“This is a season meant for hope and family, yet many Nigerians will mark it with tears, fear, and uncertainty.”

The union warns that unless decisive and transparent action is taken to address insecurity, public trust in government will continue to erode.

“Nigeria cannot move forward while its citizens live at the mercy of bandits,” the group said. “The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. Failure to fulfil this duty threatens the very foundation of the state.”