…Rufai Oseni condemned the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits.
Lagos, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Popular Nigerian journalist and Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the manner in which 24 abducted schoolgirls from Maga, Kebbi State, were released by bandits earlier this week.
In a viral video posted on Wednesday, Rufai Oseni condemned the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits instead of deploying a decisive security operation, questioning why armed criminals continue to walk free after repeated attacks across the country.
“I am happy that the kidnapped people were released. Hallelujah. But what do they mean that they spoke with the kidnappers or bandits? Did you people not arrest them? And you left them to go like that so they can kidnap another person?” Rufai Oseni asked.
He further faulted what he described as a contradictory security posture, noting that while the government secured a life imprisonment sentence for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu over incitement, it is now openly negotiating with terrorists responsible for mass abductions.
“You negotiated with criminals, bandits, and terrorists as what? Business partners? Should the government be negotiating in a case where it has superpowers?” he questioned in the viral clip.
The 24 schoolgirls were released on Tuesday, though the circumstances surrounding their freedom have sparked widespread public concern. President Tinubu reacted by saying, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.”
But the lack of arrests has drawn criticism from activists and citizens, including rapper and human rights advocate Falz, who earlier condemned the release of 38 abducted CAC church members in Kwara State without apprehending the kidnappers.
Responding to the growing backlash, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga told Arise TV that security agencies must act cautiously to avoid endangering hostages. “The security personnel must act carefully to avoid harming citizens,” he said, defending the government’s handling of the situation.
The debate continues to deepen as Nigerians question why bandits responsible for repeated kidnappings across the country are rarely arrested or prosecuted.
