Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the security approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the death of former House of Representatives member Abba Adamu while in the custody of kidnappers.
Adamu was reportedly abducted by armed bandits along the Abuja-Kaduna highway on May 3 and was said to have died nine days later despite efforts by his family to negotiate his release.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the incident as evidence of what he called the deepening security crisis facing the country.
According to the former vice president, the death of the ex-lawmaker highlighted what he sees as the government’s inability to effectively safeguard citizens and maintain security nationwide.
“Adamu’s death is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration. Let us be brutally honest: Nigeria is under siege, and this administration appears either overwhelmed, indifferent, or dangerously incompetent in the face of this national emergency.
“When a former member of the National Assembly can be abducted on one of the country’s most strategic highways and die in captivity, what hope remains for the ordinary Nigerian who lacks visibility, influence, or protection?”
The opposition figure and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress lamented that kidnapping and violent attacks had become widespread across the country, affecting highways, rural communities, farms, and residential areas.
“This is no longer about isolated incidents. It is now a horrifying pattern. Nigerians are being kidnapped from highways, farms, communities, even their homes, while the government continues to issue sterile statements and recycled assurances that bear no resemblance to the lived reality of our people,” he stated.
Atiku further argued that insecurity under the current administration had become routine, with many citizens now living and travelling in fear while economic activities, particularly farming and business operations, continue to suffer disruptions.
The Waziri Adamawa also condemned the persistent insecurity along the Abuja-Kaduna road despite repeated assurances from security agencies and significant budgetary allocations to the sector.
“A government that cannot secure its highways cannot claim to govern. A government that watches citizens get hunted like prey has failed the most elementary test of leadership.
“It is particularly tragic that the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding routes have remained notorious theatres of terror despite repeated promises, security budgets running into trillions, and endless propaganda about progress,” he added.
Questioning the Federal Government’s overall security response, Atiku demanded greater accountability and clearer action plans from the administration.
“Nigerians deserve answers. What exactly is the security strategy of this administration? Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability? How many more deaths must be recorded before this government realises that press releases do not defeat bandits?
“No amount of political spin can deodorise this failure. A nation where former lawmakers die in captivity while criminals operate with audacity is a nation in distress.
“At this point, what Nigerians need is not another hollow condolence message. They need decisive leadership, coherent action, and measurable results,” he stated.
The former vice president also extended his condolences to the family of the late former lawmaker, the people of Jigawa State, and Nigerians affected by insecurity across the country, while urging the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening security situation.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
The Recklessness of Ethnic Politics in Lagos – Why Onuakalusi’s Statement Deserves Strong Criticism
By Adebamiwa Olugbenga Michael MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The reported statement credited to George Onuakalusi “Yorubas are minorities in my constituency but I would consider them in next empowerment” deserves serious criticism, especially because it touches the dangerous intersection of ethnicity, political power, and identity in Lagos. Whether intended casually or politically, such a statement is…
Atiku blames Tinubu’s govt for ex-lawmaker’s death in kidnappers’ den
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the security approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the death of former House of Representatives member Abba Adamu while in the custody of kidnappers. Adamu was reportedly abducted by armed bandits along the Abuja-Kaduna highway on May 3 and was said to have died…
Lagos eyes mandatory health insurance, PPPs to close N100 billion healthcare funding gap
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Mr Abayomi outlined Lagos’ broader healthcare vision under its 2052 Development Plan The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said this on Tuesday at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja. The briefing was part of activities marking the seventh anniversary of the…
