Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of the family members of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a former Minister of Power, characterizing the incident as a stark illustration of Nigeria’s escalating security crisis. In his response to the abduction of Adelabu’s sister and twin nephews in Ibadan, Oyo State, Atiku extended solidarity to the family and urged immediate action to tackle the worsening security landscape.
Atiku’s statement, released on June 3 by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, noted the alarming nature of the crime occurring in broad daylight at Challenge Bus Stop, a busy area in Ibadan. He highlighted this as a sign of the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, emphasizing that the ability of kidnappers to operate openly reflects broader systemic failures in public safety.
He framed the attack as a wake-up call for government officials, asserting that insecurity impacts all social and political groups. Atiku questioned why officials remain desensitized to the plight of ordinary citizens, especially when such violence affects people within their own circles. He lamented the increasing incidences of kidnappings and violent crimes, indicating that countless Nigerian families endure the trauma of criminal acts as lawlessness becomes more brazen.
The former vice president pointed out that kidnappers target all Nigerians indiscriminately, and that the same insecurity adversely affects government officials and ordinary citizens alike. He criticized the government’s lack of effective response, which he stated often resorts to excuses rather than decisive action.
Stressing the urgent need for a strategic overhaul in security measures, Atiku insisted that the government must prioritize the protection of lives and properties. He conveyed concern over the pervasive fear of abduction that many Nigerians now face, labeling this situation as unacceptable.
Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and securing communities, thereby restoring public trust in Nigeria’s security framework. He also demanded the immediate rescue of the victims and the prosecution of the perpetrators involved in the abduction. Atiku concluded by expressing his prayers and support for the Adelabu family and other citizens grappling with insecurity nationwide.
