Controversy Erupts As FG Frees Kebbi Schoolgirls But Keeps Kanu Jailed – Oseni Speaks Out

Renowned Nigerian journalist and TV news anchor, Rufai Oseni, has criticized the approach taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in dealing with bandits.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on an Arise News programme, Oseni expressed concern that the Federal Government is negotiating with bandits to secure the release of victims instead of taking a firmer stance.

His remarks came in response to the recent release of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, last week. The girls were freed on Tuesday, prompting President Tinubu to express relief, stating, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.”

However, Oseni questioned the government’s tactics, pointing out a glaring contradiction. While the administration handed life imprisonment to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, for inciting violence, it reportedly engaged in negotiations with kidnappers to secure the girls’ release.

“I am happy the kidnapped victims were released. Alhamdulillah. But what does it mean when the government negotiates with the kidnappers or bandits for their release? Did they fail to arrest them? Are we now allowing criminals to operate freely so they can strike again? I am deeply troubled by what is happening in Nigeria,” Oseni said.

He added, “Negotiating with criminals—bandits and terrorists—as if they are business partners? Should the government be negotiating in situations where it wields full authority? The same government jailed Nnamdi Kanu for life for incitement, yet those who kidnap and terrorize people are being negotiated with. This is unacceptable.”