The Presidency on Sunday took a swipe at those criticising the quick rescue of Olaide Adegoke, the sister of the immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 11-year-old twin sons.
Adegoke and her two children were abducted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on June 3, 2026, before being rescued by security operatives on June 6, 2026.
The release of the trio generated debate on social media, with some Nigerians asking why the operation was concluded quickly while schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped last month in Oyo State remain in captivity.
Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, reacting through a series of posts on his verified X handle, @DOlusegun, condemned those casting doubt on the rescue operation, saying such reactions undermine the efforts of law enforcement officers working to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to him, anyone displeased by the successful rescue and eager to promote conspiracy theories about the operation was exhibiting the same destructive mindset as criminal elements.
He wrote: “If you find yourself unhappy about the rescue of a woman and her children and jump on every conspiracy to try and downplay the efforts of law enforcement, just know you’re already a terrorist.
“You may not be carrying weapons yet, but your mindset and theirs are essentially the same.”
The presidential aide also accused some critics of exploiting the kidnapping incident for political purposes rather than showing concern for victims of insecurity.
He claimed that some people were more interested in scoring political points than celebrating the safe return of abducted citizens.
Olusegun also accused some commentators of showing little sympathy for other victims of kidnapping and instead using the incident to attack the government.
Such behaviour, he stressed, showed a lack of humanity and compassion.
In another reaction, Olusegun dismissed claims that supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s administration behaved similarly while in opposition.
According to him, political differences should not lead people to celebrate the misfortune of others or diminish the significance of successful rescue operations.
His words: “Never in our time in opposition did we celebrate gleefully and shamelessly the misfortunes of those who don’t agree with us. You lots are soulless, and your justification today for losing your humanity is that some people may have done it years ago.”
Deji Elumoye
Follow us on: