news

ADC Slams Government over Kidnappings, Security Lapses

Published

9 months ago

November 27, 2025

Q Tinny

ADC slams government over kidnappings, questions negotiations with bandits, urges reopening of Unity Schools and protection of children across Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government for its handling of recent kidnappings across Nigeria, warning that negotiating with bandits undermines national security.

Also read: Kogi ADC Warns Dino Melaye in Strong Rejection

In a statement on Wednesday, signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party welcomed the safe release of worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State and students kidnapped in Kebbi.

However, the ADC said these incidents should never have occurred if the government had been fulfilling its constitutional duties.

“While we are delighted that these citizens can finally reunite with their families, these abductions are the consequence of an administration distracted by politics and behaving less like a democratic government and more like an occupying force,” the statement read.

The party expressed concern over the opaque circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, citing conflicting statements from officials.

“It is alarming that a presidential spokesman reportedly claimed the victims were freed because security operatives asked them nicely,” the ADC said. The party also questioned whether ransom payments or agreements were made with the kidnappers.

“This raises serious questions: Is the Nigerian government paying ransom to insurgents? What was exchanged for the so-called surrender of weapons? What about those murdered in cold blood? Where is justice for the families?” the statement added.

The ADC warned that using negotiation as the primary response to kidnappings is a dangerous shortcut that could expand the banditry economy. The party also criticised the closure of Unity Schools, saying it reinforces extremist ideology.

“By closing schools, the government is reinforcing the very ideology Boko Haram was built upon,” the statement said.

The ADC called on authorities to redeploy the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to all Federal Unity Schools to allow safe reopening.

“The more we capitulate, the more ground we lose as a nation. Every day schools remain closed, terrorists grow bolder, communities grow more fearful, and Nigeria drifts further from security and stability.

Also read: Oshiomhole Slams Atiku Ahead of ADC Move

A country that cannot protect its children cannot protect its future. Reopen the schools. Secure the schools. Bring our children home,” it concluded.

Up Next

Osun APC’s cautious directive sparks respectful plea from Husain

Don't Miss

Nigeria Customs Service Appointments Boost Leadership Reforms

Q Tinny

Click to comment

Opinion

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

4 hours ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Fiorentina Target Zirkzee in €5m Loan Deal

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Fiorentina Target Zirkzee in €5m Loan Deal

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”