Address dire security situation urgently – Atiku

…Submits government failure to fulfil constitutional obligations, encourages kidnapping, crimes

By Abiodun OBA

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the government to address the dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of Nigerians.

Atiku made the call in a statement via his X handle on Tuesday. According to him, the failure on the part of government to fulfil its constitutional obligations of protecting the lives and property of citizens, is an invitation to kidnappers and other criminal elements.

Describing the spate of violence in the country as distressing, he said, “It is obvious that the worsening poverty and hunger in the land is escalating the level of kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, the federal capital.

“When the government fails to fulfil its constitutional obligations of protecting the lives and property of citizens, it is an invitation to kidnappers and other criminal elements to have a free rein visiting houses and hotels in and around the capital city, kidnapping citizens without resistance. This is a sad development.

“The escalating violence and lawlessness in our nation deeply distresses me as bandits and kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked. Our youths and innocent citizens are being murdered daily.

“Just last Saturday, we lost Nabeeha to her captors. Yesterday, the tragedy deepened with the murder of more victims, including Folorunsho Ariyo, a 13-year-old student. Folorunsho was one of ten people kidnapped from Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, on January 7th, 2024.

“It is obvious that the worsening poverty and hunger in the land is escalating the level of kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, the federal capital.

“It is imperative that the authorities address this dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people.

“While I mourn with the deceased families, I pray to the Almighty to comfort them, grant the dead eternal peace and protect our nation. -AA”

Recall that on January 5, gunmen abducted six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, a situation that has generated public outcry.

Last Sunday, the abductors killed Nabeeha, one of the six sisters, purportedly as a warning to the family for failing to pay the ransom of N60 million.