Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as further evidence of the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the kidnapping and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.
He also urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure their safe rescue and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to Atiku, the incident highlights the growing threat posed by kidnappers and demonstrates that no one, regardless of status or political affiliation, is immune from the country's security challenges.
He noted that the attack reportedly occurred at Challenge Bus Stop in Ibadan, one of the city's busiest locations, describing it as a disturbing sign of how bold criminal groups have become.
“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country,” he said.
Atiku argued that while ordinary Nigerians have lived with the fear of kidnapping for years, the latest incident should serve as a wake-up call to those in positions of authority.
He stressed that insecurity affects everyone equally and does not discriminate based on political party, profession, social status or influence.
“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking. They do not distinguish between APC members and opposition supporters. They do not care whether their victims are ministers, former ministers, traders, teachers, students or farmers,” he stated.
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The former vice president lamented that many Nigerians now live under constant fear, with families increasingly worried about the safety of their loved ones and communities.
He described the kidnapping of Adelabu’s relatives as another reminder that the country’s security crisis has reached a dangerous level and requires urgent action.
Atiku called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to move beyond what he described as a reactive approach to security and adopt a more comprehensive strategy focused on intelligence gathering, crime prevention and dismantling criminal networks.
According to him, Nigeria needs a coordinated, intelligence-driven security framework capable of protecting vulnerable communities, tackling kidnapping syndicates and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with the Adelabu family and all Nigerians who have suffered from kidnapping and other violent crimes, while reiterating his call for stronger and more effective security measures across the country.
