Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over what he described as a sluggish response to the renewed wave of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

Atiku, in a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said it was disappointing that Nigeria failed to act swiftly despite repeated attacks on its citizens living in South Africa.

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The former presidential candidate stated that smaller African countries had already taken decisive steps to protect their nationals, while Nigeria appeared slow in responding to the growing tension.

According to him, Ghana had approved the evacuation of more than 300 of its citizens affected by the latest anti-immigrant threats, while the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only reacted after mounting pressure.

“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” Atiku said.

He argued that the delayed response raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.

The former vice president noted that Nigerians in South Africa had for years endured intimidation, harassment, looting and repeated xenophobic attacks, with several businesses destroyed and lives threatened during previous outbreaks.

Atiku stressed that the protection of citizens remains one of the primary responsibilities of any government, regardless of where those citizens reside.

He urged the Federal Government to issue stronger travel advisories, begin evacuation plans for willing Nigerians and intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.

The former vice president also called on the African Union to take stronger action against recurring xenophobic violence across the continent.

“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans,” he added.

He further urged Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act with greater urgency whenever the safety and dignity of Nigerians overseas are under threat.

Panic swept through parts of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across several schools, forcing many victims to be rushed to hospitals for treatment.

The incident, which occurred less than two months after a similar case in the town, reportedly affected schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.

Witnesses said students suddenly began complaining of breathing difficulties, stomach aches, dizziness, and weakness as the strange gas spread across the affected areas.

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Videos circulating online showed frightened students running out of school premises while teachers and residents assisted those who fainted into vehicles for emergency medical attention.

Many of the affected students were taken to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, while others were rushed to nearby private medical facilities as worried parents stormed the hospitals.

An eyewitness described the situation as more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in April.

“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and the hospital is overcrowded. Some parents had to move their children to private hospitals. The students are complaining of stomach pain and weakness. This incident affected multiple schools and over 100 students,” the source said.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that emergency response agencies had been mobilised to contain the situation and investigate the source of the leak.

According to the commissioner, air quality monitoring devices installed within the area detected elevated methane gas concentrations, with readings reportedly peaking at about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.

He explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, the situation was environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.

Oresanya said the state government had activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, security agencies, and air quality experts to determine the source and extent of the emissions.

Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected schools and hospitals to assess the situation and monitor medical response efforts.

Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas with unusual gas odours, and immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.

The latest incident comes weeks after over 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following another gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in April, raising fresh concerns over environmental safety in the area.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unfair and politically troubling.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

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The former presidential candidate condemned El-Rufai’s detention ahead of the Muslim festival, saying it contradicts the spirit of mercy, compassion, and reconciliation associated with Eid-el-Kabir.

According to Atiku, it would be wrong for any government to deny a citizen freedom without clear justification, especially during a significant religious period when families are expected to reunite.

He warned against the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, stressing that democracy should not be used as a weapon to settle political scores.

“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it is unconscionable to keep a citizen away from his family without just cause,” Atiku stated.

The former vice-president also argued that the credibility of any democratic government depends on how it treats opposition figures and perceived critics.

He urged authorities to ensure transparency if El-Rufai’s detention is connected to ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to constitutional rights, including liberty and due process.

The demand comes days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.

El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.