The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that he plans to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with his family while scores of Nigerians, including abducted ECWA Church worshippers from Ayetoro Kiri in Kogi State, remain in captivity.
The union described the situation as morally disturbing and reflective of what it called the Federal Government’s persistent failure to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The abducted victims—men, women, children and elderly members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—were kidnapped during a violent attack on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group said the prospect of the victims spending Christmas in captivity exposes the growing disconnect between Nigeria’s leadership and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“The President appears comfortable taking a holiday with his family while hundreds of innocent citizens are being held in the dens of bandits and terrorists across the country,” the union said.
“This sends a painful message to victims and their families — that their suffering is not urgent enough to warrant full presidential attention.”
The group accused President Tinubu of being detached from the anguish of Nigerians who now live in constant fear of abduction, displacement and violent attacks, especially in rural and semi-urban communities.
It also criticised state governors, top government officials and security chiefs for what it described as a culture of privilege and indifference, noting that those entrusted with protecting lives and property continue to enjoy state-funded comfort while citizens face daily threats.
“Public office holders move with heavy security details, fly private jets, and celebrate holidays in comfort, while the people who fund the state through their taxes are kidnapped, raped, killed, or forced to sell their life savings to raise ransom,” the statement said.
Challenging the President to show empathy and decisive leadership, the union posed a pointed question.
“As the father of the nation, how would he feel if his own children or grandchildren were abducted and held by terrorists? He would undoubtedly deploy every available resource—military, intelligence, and diplomatic—to secure their freedom.”
The group insisted that the same urgency should apply to all Nigerians, regardless of status or political relevance.
Highlighting the scale of insecurity nationwide, the union listed several ongoing abduction cases across different regions of the country.
“Over 100 schoolchildren in Niger State, ECWA worshippers in Kogi State, a traditional ruler and several families in Kwara State, as well as countless victims in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and other states, remain in captivity,” it said.
According to Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, the Federal Government’s silence and routine assurances have failed to restore public confidence.
The group argued that President Tinubu should have long declared a state of emergency on insecurity and personally visited the worst-hit states to assess the situation, comfort affected families and issue clear directives to security agencies.
“If the President truly values Nigerian lives, he would shelve any holiday plans and devote this period to confronting the insecurity crisis head-on,” the union said.
“Leadership demands sacrifice, especially at a time when the nation is bleeding.”
The union warned that the absence of accountability has emboldened criminal elements and created a climate of impunity, leaving victims to negotiate their freedom through ransom payments.
“Families of abducted persons are selling land, houses, farms, and businesses to raise ransom,” the group said.
“Children are withdrawn from school, livelihoods are destroyed, and entire communities are traumatised — yet the government continues to handle terrorists with kid gloves.”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on President Tinubu to cancel his holiday plans and instead spend the festive period visiting communities ravaged by banditry and kidnapping, particularly Ayetoro Kiri and other affected areas.
The group also urged the President to issue firm directives to security agencies to intensify rescue operations, dismantle terrorist networks, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for abductions and violent crimes.
“Watching vulnerable ECWA worshippers — children, women, and elderly men — remain in captivity during Christmas is heartbreaking,” the union said.
“This is a season meant for hope and family, yet many Nigerians will mark it with tears, fear, and uncertainty.”
The union warned that unless decisive and transparent action is taken to address insecurity, public trust in government will continue to erode.
“Nigeria cannot move forward while its citizens live at the mercy of bandits,” it added.
“The primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property. Failure to fulfil this duty threatens the very foundation of the state.
