Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of Busayo John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin children in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 3, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed deep concern over the incident and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.
Atiku Calls for Urgent Rescue and Prosecution
Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted individuals and the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. He described the abduction as a reprehensible act that highlights Nigeria's worsening security crisis.
Brazen Abduction in Ibadan's Heart
The former vice president noted that the kidnapping occurred at Challenge Bus Stop, one of Ibadan's busiest locations, raising serious questions about the government's ability to protect citizens. He stressed that the Tinubu administration can no longer evade the issue of insecurity, especially when it affects the family of a former government official.
Atiku Laments Government's Failure
Atiku lamented that kidnappers operate with growing audacity, abducting schoolchildren, farmers, travelers, and entire communities. He criticized the government's response as characterized by excuses, propaganda, and palliatives rather than decisive action. He emphasized that insecurity does not discriminate between political parties or social status.
Call for Intelligence-Driven Security Strategy
The former vice president called on the government to abandon its reactive approach and implement a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, secure vulnerable communities, and restore public confidence. He noted that Nigerians now budget for ransom payments as they do for school fees, and parents live in constant fear.
Police Confirm Rescue Efforts
The Oyo State Police Command, through spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits. Investigations have commenced into the attack.
Atiku's statement comes amid growing concerns over security in Nigeria, with many calling for urgent reforms to address the escalating crisis.
