Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, says the rampant kidnappings, particularly in Abuja, is caused by worsening poverty and hunger in the land.
Mr Abubakar widely known as Atiku stated this on Tuesday in a statement he posted on his social media accounts.
“The escalating violence and lawlessness in our nation deeply distresses me as bandits and kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked,” the PDP presidential candidate in the last general elections said. “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.
“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.
“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”
Kidnappings around the nation’s capital have been on the rise, with the abductors using active telephone lines to facilitate ransom-taking, which ought not to be so, according to former Communication and Digital Economy minister, Isa President.
Mr Pantami while lamenting increased crime rate in the country, accused security agencies of refusing to utilise data obtained from the NIN-SIM policy in tracking down masterminds of insecurity.
