Atiku to Tinubu: Adelabu family abduction shows rising insecurity

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of Adebayo Adelabu, describing the incident as evidence of deepening insecurity in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed sympathy with the Adelabu family and said the attack highlights the alarming state of security nationwide.

He described the incident as particularly troubling, noting that it occurred in broad daylight at the busy Challenge Bus Stop in Ibadan, a prominent area where such an attack would ordinarily be difficult to execute.

According to Atiku, the ability of kidnappers to strike in such a location without interception underscores the growing boldness of criminal elements and the apparent weaknesses in the country’s security framework.

He noted that while many Nigerians have long suffered from kidnapping and violent crimes, the latest incident raises concerns about whether the government is taking the crisis seriously enough.

“At a time when insecurity affects citizens across all walks of life, this incident shows that no one is beyond its reach,” he said.

The former vice-president lamented that kidnappings now affect students, farmers, travellers, and entire communities, adding that the government’s response has often fallen short of expectations.

He warned that the worsening situation should serve as a wake-up call for authorities, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility.

Atiku called on the federal government to adopt a more effective, intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity, dismantle kidnapping networks, and restore public confidence.

He also urged security agencies to ensure the swift rescue of the victims and bring those responsible to justice, while extending his support and prayers to the Adelabu family and other affected Nigerians.