Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) accused the federal government of applying double standards in its response to recent school abductions in Oyo and Borno states, alleging unequal treatment of victims based on their geographical location.
The group, while condemning the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in both states, described the incidents as evidence of the worsening security situation in the country and a growing inability of the government to adequately protect citizens.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the coalition expressed concern over what it termed a pattern of selective outrage, unequal attention, and discriminatory security responses to tragedies occurring in different parts of Nigeria.
According to the group, about 46 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted on May 15 from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Charanchi said, “The incident rightly triggered national outrage and attracted immediate attention from the federal government. However, on the very same day, another group of terrorists abducted 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area of BornoState.
“Yet, while the Oyo incident received swift federal sympathy, high-level visits and urgent security assurances, the victims and communities in Bornohave largely been abandoned to silence and neglect.”
The group alleged, “Following the Oyo abduction, the federal government reportedly dispatched a powerful delegation including the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Staff to the President. The President also approved the recruitment of 1000 forest guards for affected communities in Oyo State as part of immediate intervention measures.
“But what exactly has been done for the traumatised communities in Borno? Where are the emergency security deployments? Where are the high-powered federal delegations?
“Where are the special interventions and assurances for grieving Northern communities that have suffered repeated terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings and killings for years?”
Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Folalumi Alaran
