In a statement issued on Wednesday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the latest attack reflected the government's inability to guarantee the safety of schools and those within them.
The former vice president said it was disturbing that students could no longer sit for public examinations without fear of attacks by armed criminals.
He argued that schools, which should serve as safe spaces for learning, have increasingly become targets for kidnappers due to persistent security lapses.
According to Atiku, the attack in Kogi is part of a growing trend of assaults on educational institutions across the country, warning that criminal groups have become emboldened by the government's failure to respond decisively
He also linked the insecurity to what he described as the administration's neglect of the education sector, alleging that rising examination fees and inadequate investment have made education less accessible while schools remain vulnerable.
The former vice president said the situation had created what he termed a "double burden" for Nigerian children, who now face both financial barriers to education and growing threats to their safety.
Atiku further criticised the government's spending priorities, arguing that resources should be directed towards strengthening education and improving security rather than projects with limited public value.
He warned that continued attacks on schools could discourage learning and further weaken confidence in the country's education system if urgent measures are not taken.
Calling for immediate action, Atiku urged security agencies to secure the release of all abducted victims and strengthen protection around schools and examination centres nationwide.
He maintained that safeguarding educational institutions is a constitutional responsibility, insisting that no student should be forced to choose between pursuing an education and risking their life.
The latest attack occurred at Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina in Kogi State, where gunmen reportedly abducted the school principal, a NECO ad hoc official and several students during the ongoing Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security of schools across Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stronger measures to protect students, teachers and examination officials from recurring attacks.
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