The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that he plans to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with his family while many Nigerians, including abducted ECWA Church worshippers in Kogi State, remain in the custody of bandits.
In a statement released on Saturday, the union described the situation as troubling and reflective of what it called the Federal Government’s continued failure to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid rising insecurity nationwide.
The group referred to the recent abduction of worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) from Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The victims, said to include men, women, children and elderly persons, were reportedly kidnapped during a violent attack on the community.
According to the statement signed by the union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and issued through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the possibility that the abducted worshippers may spend Christmas in captivity highlights the severity of Nigeria’s security crisis and a perceived disconnect between political leaders and ordinary citizens.
The union argued that it was insensitive for the President to embark on holiday celebrations while families of abducted Nigerians continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
“The President appears comfortable taking a holiday with his family while innocent citizens are being held by bandits and terrorists across the country,” the group said, adding that such actions send a discouraging signal to victims and their loved ones.
The group also criticised governors, senior government officials and security chiefs, accusing them of enjoying state protection and privileges while ordinary Nigerians are exposed to kidnappings, violence and displacement.
According to the union, insecurity is no longer confined to any particular region, citing cases of abductions in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá noted that repeated assurances from the Federal Government have failed to restore public confidence, calling for more decisive action to address the crisis.
The group said the President should have declared a state of emergency on insecurity and personally visited affected communities to assess conditions, console families and issue clear directives to security agencies.
It urged President Tinubu to reconsider any holiday plans and instead devote the festive period to addressing the insecurity challenge, intensifying rescue operations and ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for kidnappings and violent crimes.
The union warned that continued inaction and lack of accountability could further erode public trust in government and embolden criminal groups.
“Nigeria cannot make progress while its citizens live at the mercy of bandits,” the statement said, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
