In a recent interview with TVC, Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale revealed claims made by Chief Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to Ngelale, the recent surge in kidnappings in the North has been attributed to political forces within the northern region aiming to disrupt Nigeria’s stability under Tinubu’s rulership.
Ngelale highlighted the challenges faced in curtailing these abductions, particularly in the North-Central, North-West, and North-East regions. Despite efforts to secure the nation, the resurgence of mass schoolchildren abductions in Kaduna and Sokoto last week indicates that there is still much work to be done.
While Ngelale did not specify the exact identity of these “sub-regional geopolitical forces,” he emphasized the collaboration between the Nigerian government and the United States to ensure the safe return of over 280 kidnapped schoolchildren in Kaduna.
“It is worth noting that the United States government has also pledged its assistance to ensure that there is a full return of all of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped recently in Kaduna,” Ngelale stated.
He further emphasized the importance of intensifying collaboration not only within the region but also internationally to combat the threats posed by these regional actors.
Chief Tinubu himself condemned the kidnappings and urged security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and others. However, his response drew criticism from Amnesty International and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, who accused him of failing to fulfill his basic responsibility of ensuring the security of citizens.
Ngelale’s assertions attributing the wave of kidnappings in Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto to political forces in Northern Nigeria have sparked controversy and raised questions about the underlying motives behind these attacks.
