“51 Students Recovered, 0 Bandits Recovered: Nigerians Cry ‘This Rescue Script No Complete!’”
......Tinubu Announces Rescue of Kwara Worshippers, Niger Students — Nigerians Demand Proof, Ask Tough Questions
By Passman Akpos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday announced the rescue of 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and the recovery of 51 missing students of a Catholic school in Niger State, saying he cancelled his planned trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally coordinate security operations at home.
In a statement titled “My Fellow Nigerians,” the President commended security agencies for “the efforts of the last few days,” adding that he is “closely monitoring the nationwide security situation and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.”
“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” the President declared.
But as the news spread online, so did a firestorm of public skepticism, with many Nigerians demanding details the government has not yet provided — including how the victims were recovered, whether any bandits were arrested or neutralised, and whether ransom was secretly paid.
Public Backlash: “Where Are the Arrests? Where Is the Evidence?”
Across social media, Nigerians tore through the announcement with biting humour, frustration, and suspicion — questioning what appeared to be a pattern of “rescues without culprits.”
Many asked bluntly:
“How many bandits were killed or arrested before rescuing the 38 people?”
“Tell us how much was paid as ransom.”
“How can you recover kidnapped victims without arresting the kidnappers?”
“Were they rescued, or did they escape on their own?”
Some commenters mocked the official narrative, joking about presidential “edits” and comparing the announcement to statements made without evidence.
Others compared Nigeria’s opaque rescue claims to U.S. military operations, saying:
> “Anytime the US conducts a successful operation, they have video footage. In my country, na ‘Fellow Nigerians…’”
Another added:
> “They were seen being kidnapped, but never seen being restored.”
Sarcasm, Outrage and Street-Level Humour Flood Online Space
From spicy commentary to outright disbelief, Nigerians delivered reactions in trademark style:
“There are four major arms of government in Nigeria: Executive, Legislature, Judiciary — and Bandits.”
“This man thinks he’s talking to AI.”
“So cancelling a trip is now an achievement?”
“Abeg ask am. Something is fishing.”
“He said 51 students were ‘recovered.’ So who rescued them? We have information say na run dem run oh.”
“I don buy dagger for my safety.”
“Were they rescued without a gun duel or the bandits just decided to let go?”
“Abi dem do am Gumi way?”
Even political supporters weighed in, praising the President’s “resolve” but still urging government to reveal how the operations were executed and whether justice will follow.
Calls for Transparency Grow Louder
Several commenters questioned why security agencies have not released images, videos, or briefing materials:
> “Why didn’t our operatives show us footage of the offensive operation that neutralised the bandits? Just thinking out loud, sir.”
Others insisted that rescue without prosecution encourages impunity:
> “If no bandit was apprehended at the point of rescue, then it’s still business as usual.”
A Nation Relieved, Yet Unsatisfied
While many Nigerians expressed relief that several abducted worshippers and students were alive and returned, others insisted that true accountability demands answers:
What happened to the bandits?
Was ransom paid?
Were security forces involved in a firefight?
Why is there no evidence of the operation?
How secure are the communities going forward?
As one user put it:
> “Whichever way the recovery was done, the families are happy. But for Nigeria to heal, impunity must end.”
Government Yet to Clarify Key Details
As of press time, security agencies have not released operational briefings, arrests, or evidence from the purported rescue efforts.The Presidency has also not addressed questions about negotiation, ransom, or whether the kidnappers remain at large.
With nationwide anxiety still high and dozens of abductees across multiple states yet to be found, Nigerians say they want more than reassuring speeches — they want proof, accountability, and lasting security.
