Presidency: Stop Comparing Ogbomoso, Adelabu Kidnap Cases, It’s “Totally Wrong

The Presidency has urged Nigerians to refrain from drawing comparisons between the recent kidnapping incidents involving relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

According to a statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, and obtained by IReporter Online, the government said the two incidents are fundamentally different in nature, motivation, and execution.

Ajayi explained that the kidnapping involving Adelabu’s family was allegedly carried out by urban criminal gangs driven by financial gain, while the abduction of schoolchildren in Orire Local Government Area was attributed to terrorist elements operating from remote forest areas.

He further dismissed claims of selective intervention by security agencies, insisting that such allegations were unfounded and misleading. According to him, the operational strategies deployed in both cases differ due to the distinct environments and criminal structures involved.

The presidential aide assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, expressing confidence that they would be rescued soon. He added that the successful rescue of Adelabu’s relatives should be seen as a positive development while prayers continue for those still in captivity.

Ajayi maintained that critics comparing both incidents were “totally wrong,” stressing that the government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all victims regardless of circumstance.