Celebrating the Release of Oriire Captives and Examining Our Politics

Friday's news about the release of the Oriire captives brought joy to many Nigerians. It showed how our shared pain connects us all. Whether in Nchatancha, Kaura Namoda, or Ilu-Abo, we are all united in our humanity. But as we celebrate, let's remember an old fable from the animal kingdom about deception.

In a time long ago, Ìjàpá, the Tortoise, known for his tricks, was jealous of Ẹkùn, the Leopard, who was loved by all. To bring down Ẹkùn's popularity, Ìjàpá hid a calabash of palm wine in the leopard's den. He planned to make it look like Ẹkùn was a thief.

Ìjàpá then called a meeting of all the animals. He pretended to be heartbroken and cried about a theft that could destroy their community. He led them to the leopard's den to show the stolen palm wine he had planted. The animals were shocked and accused Ẹkùn of being a greedy thief. They were about to exile him when Ògòǹgò, the tallest bird, came down from her hiding spot.

She reminded everyone of the saying: "He who digs a pit for another will fall into it himself." Ògòǹgò revealed that she saw Ìjàpá set the leopard up. To prove it, she pointed out that Ìjàpá's shell had palm wine stains, and his fingers smelled of it too. The animals were outraged and banished Ìjàpá, freeing Ẹkùn. The lesson is clear: those who try to harm others may end up hurting themselves.

For 56 long days in Oyo State and beyond, Nigerians felt deep sorrow. The kidnapping of 39 students and six teachers in Oriire brought everyone together in grief. We momentarily set aside our differences. Emmanuel Levinas, a philosopher, noted that pain can unite people. When we see others suffer, we realize our own fragility.

During those 56 days, tears flowed like a river. We mourned together, showing that even far-off losses can change our connections. Matthew Ratcliffe, a grief expert, said that losses can reshape our world and how we relate to each other. Since 2014, using school kidnappings as a political tool has become a painful part of Nigerian politics. We wonder whose child might be next.

On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State. While many escaped, about 80 to 90 are still missing. Initially, President Goodluck Jonathan doubted the event's truth, thinking it was a political weapon aimed at his government. This suspicion grew because the kidnapping occurred in a heavily secured area. How could armed men take so many students without being stopped?

While this happened, the opposition, including today’s president, criticized Jonathan harshly. They used strong media campaigns, turning him into a target. They demanded he "bring back our girls," even getting international support from figures like Barack Obama.

The opposition focused on Jonathan as the Commander-in-Chief but ignored Governor Kashim Shettima, who was in charge of the area where the girls were taken. Back then, their logic seemed solid. But in the recent Oriire case, the same opposition now in power is shifting blame to a governor, just like Shettima was during the Chibok incident. This double standard is troubling.

During the Chibok crisis, no one held Governor Shettima accountable for the missing girls. The same people who criticized Jonathan are now blaming state governors for local kidnappings. Their security budgets, which were not questioned before, are now part of the debate. This hypocrisy makes the situation worse.

The current narrative is concerning. For example, on April 28, 2026, 15 church members were kidnapped in Ekiti State. They spent two months in captivity, with one sadly losing his life. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion but later took smaller amounts from struggling villagers before releasing the victims. Yet, Governor Biodun Oyebanji faced no backlash and was seen posing for photos with the freed victims, enjoying the spotlight.

Anyone who criticized Jonathan over Chibok but now defends Tinubu while kids were missing for 56 days is being unfair. Jonathan faced severe criticism and even invited Governor Shettima to discuss rescue efforts. In contrast, Tinubu seems too wrapped up in his own issues to reach out to the Oyo governor. It took Peter Obi to remind everyone that Tinubu was not actively involved in addressing the tragedy.

Sources suggest the Oyo governor faced obstacles when trying to connect with the Commander-in-Chief. Instead of engaging, Tinubu was busy celebrating in Lagos while his surrogates flew over the grieving community in Oyo. The Yoruba wisdom teaches that constant reflection is vital for the future. We must question how we can stop the use of abductions for political gain.

When we celebrate the release of the Oriire captives, we must also ask tough questions. Did the rescuers change clothes? How were the captives fed? Where are the bodies of the dead kidnappers? Can the arrested suspects be shown to the public? Was a ransom paid?

I applaud the Nigerian security forces for the rescue and thank President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. I also remember the lost teachers and brave officers who fought for this rescue. Many others remain trapped in Nigeria's forests. To truly stop this issue, we need the right approach. What is the right approach? Ask the local experts.