Oyo, Borno abductions dampen Democracy Day mood -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebrations were overshadowed by the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to secure their safe return and strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” the President said during his national address to mark Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration, his fourth since assuming office in 2023.

He said, “Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits.”

He used the occasion to pay tribute to security personnel and traditional and religious leaders supporting peace efforts.

“To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice.

“To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone,” the President stated.

With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

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