ADC Urges FG to Prioritise Kidnapping Prevention Over Rescue Operations
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to shift its focus from celebrating rescue operations to preventing kidnappings, insisting that the true measure of success in tackling insecurity is ensuring Nigerians are not abducted in the first place.
The opposition party made the call while reacting to the successful rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity. ADC commended the security agencies and all those involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a welcome development for the affected families.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party noted that while every successful rescue deserves commendation, many other victims of kidnapping across the country remain in captivity.
The ADC specifically urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of schoolchildren abducted in Borno State as well as more than 100 victims reportedly kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State, arguing that every Nigerian life deserves equal attention regardless of location.
According to the party, the government’s primary responsibility is to prevent citizens from being kidnapped rather than measuring achievements by the number of successful rescue missions carried out after attacks have occurred.
The party stressed that Nigerians should be able to travel freely, send their children to school without fear and go about their daily activities without the constant threat of violent criminals.
ADC also called for a comprehensive security strategy that addresses the root causes of insecurity through improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced community policing and sustained protection for vulnerable communities across the country.
While celebrating the safe return of the Oriire victims, the party maintained that national celebrations would only be complete when every abducted Nigerian is rescued and effective measures are put in place to prevent future kidnappings.
