The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government to focus on preventing kidnappings instead of measuring success by rescue operations.
The opposition party made the call on Saturday while reacting to the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims spent 56 days in captivity before security agencies secured their freedom.
ADC welcomes rescue
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party commended the security agencies and everyone involved in the operation.
It said the rescue ended weeks of anxiety for the affected families.
“We commend the security agencies and all those whose efforts made this rescue possible. Above all, we rejoice with the families whose long and traumatic wait has finally come to an end.”
Party seeks equal attention for other victims
The ADC said the successful operation should not overshadow the plight of other victims still being held by kidnappers.
According to the party, pupils abducted in Borno State in May remain in captivity. It also said more than 100 people kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State, have yet to regain their freedom.
“We believe their suffering deserves the same urgency, determination, and national attention that helped secure the freedom of the Oriire victims.”
ADC calls for stronger security
The opposition party said rescue operations alone cannot define success in the fight against insecurity.
“We must not become accustomed to measuring success by the number of rescue operations conducted.”
It added that true progress would come when Nigerians could live without fear.
“The true measure of success is whether parents across Nigeria can send their children to school without fear.”
The party continued:
“Whether travellers can use our roads without anxiety, and whether ordinary Nigerians can go about their daily lives free from the constant threat of violent criminals.”
The ADC also argued that insecurity continues to affect investment, economic growth and public confidence.
“Under the Tinubu administration, insecurity has become an accepted part of everyday life for too many Nigerians. This is unacceptable.”
Party demands long-term strategy
The ADC urged the Federal Government to build on the success of the Oyo rescue. It said security agencies should apply the same determination to free every Nigerian still in captivity.
The party also called for a broader security strategy. It urged the government to tackle the causes of insecurity, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve cooperation among security agencies and restore security in vulnerable communities.
“Every life matters equally. No victim should be forgotten simply because they are voiceless or lack influential advocates to keep their plight in the national spotlight.”
The party said Nigerians would only celebrate fully when every abducted victim returns home safely.
