Key Takeaways
- Former VP Atiku Abubakar urged federal and Imo State governments, plus security agencies, to secure the release of abducted travelers, including NYSC members, in Imo State.
- Atiku highlighted the continued captivity of over 70 pupils and students from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State, demanding updates for their families.
- He criticized the current administration's security performance, noting that Nigerians remain vulnerable despite pledges to fund security with fuel subsidy savings.
- The former VP expressed concern that young Nigerians face escalating insecurity at various stages of their education and transition into adulthood.
- Atiku questioned the allocation of 'huge pipeline security contracts' to politically connected companies while ordinary citizens face criminal threats.
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has intensified calls for urgent governmental intervention following the distressing abduction of travelers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, in Imo State. In a statement released via his X platform on Monday, Atiku described the incident, which saw 20 individuals kidnapped, as “heartbreaking,” noting that while some victims have been rescued, others remain in captivity.
“The abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective corps members, in Imo State is heartbreaking. Some have been rescued, but others remain in captivity. I urge the Federal and Imo State governments, and all security agencies, to act with urgency and bring everyone still being held home safely,” Atiku stated, underscoring the critical need for immediate action.
A Broader Crisis: Borno's Forgotten Children
Beyond the Imo incident, Atiku drew stark attention to the prolonged captivity of more than 70 pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State. These children have been held for months, a grim reminder of Nigeria's persistent battle against insurgency and banditry. “In Borno, more than 70 pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa remain in captivity months later. These children must not be forgotten. Their families deserve clear updates, and the public deserves answers,” he asserted, highlighting the emotional toll on affected families and the public's right to accountability.
The former Vice-President's comments resonate deeply with a nation increasingly frustrated by widespread insecurity. The NYSC program, a mandatory one-year service for Nigerian graduates, often requires young people to travel across states, making them particularly vulnerable targets. Similarly, school abductions in Borno, a region ravaged by Boko Haram and ISWAP, have become a tragic recurring nightmare, echoing past incidents like Chibok and Dapchi, which garnered international condemnation.
Critique of Government's Security Strategy
Atiku did not mince words in his criticism of the current security situation, directly challenging the Federal Government's pledges. He pointed out that despite promises that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would be channeled into funding security initiatives, Nigerians continue to be exposed to kidnappers on roads, in communities, and around schools. “Tinubu promised that savings from subsidy removal would help fund security. Yet Nigerians remain exposed to kidnappers on our roads, in our communities and around our schools,” he remarked, questioning the efficacy of the government's approach.
He further lamented the escalating dangers faced by young Nigerians at various critical junctures of their lives. “Young people face danger in secondary school, struggle with unaffordable fees at university, and are now targets on their journeys to NYSC camps. This is a generation being failed at every stage,” Atiku declared, painting a bleak picture of the challenges confronting the nation's youth.
The former VP also raised concerns about the allocation of resources, alleging that “huge pipeline security contracts go to politically connected companies, while ordinary Nigerians are left to face criminals.” He concluded this point by reiterating a fundamental principle of governance: “The first duty of government is to protect lives.”
Atiku concluded his statement by expressing hope for the safe return of all abducted persons and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a safer and more affordable Nigeria. “While we pray for the immediate and safe rescue of every abducted young person and the return of all those still unaccounted for, my promise to build a safer and more affordable Nigeria, where young people can create, build and prosper, remains unshakable,” he stated, offering a vision for a more secure future.
Why This Matters
Atiku Abubakar's strong condemnation underscores the profound and multifaceted security crisis gripping Nigeria, highlighting the government's perceived failure to protect its citizens, especially the vulnerable youth. His remarks not only amplify public frustration but also call into question the transparency and effectiveness of security spending, demanding greater accountability from leadership to restore peace and stability across the nation.
}