Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the spate of kidnappings and insecurity in the country was being propelled by abject poverty and hunger.

Atiku stated this in a statement via his X handle on Tuesday, 16th January 2024

He described the rate of violence in the country as troubling, the statement reads: “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 fulfill 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.”

Atiku bemoaned that kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked, calling on the authorities to address the dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of Nigerians.

“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 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”

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