Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria following the death of former House of Representatives member, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. Adamu was kidnapped on May 3, 2026, and died nine days later, despite efforts by his family to secure his freedom.
Atiku's Strong Condemnation
Reacting to the development, Atiku described the incident as a tragic reflection of what he called the growing collapse of security under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the death of a former federal lawmaker in the custody of criminals was not only heartbreaking but also a serious indictment of the Federal Government’s inability to protect lives and property.
“Let us be brutally honest: Nigeria is under siege, and the Tinubu administration appears either overwhelmed, indifferent or dangerously incompetent in the face of this national emergency,” Atiku said. He argued that the abduction and death of a former National Assembly member on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways highlights the level of insecurity confronting ordinary Nigerians daily.
“When a former member of the National Assembly can be abducted on one of the country’s most strategic highways and die in captivity, what hope remains for the ordinary Nigerian who lacks visibility, influence or protection?” he asked.
Normalisation of Insecurity
Atiku lamented what he described as the gradual normalisation of insecurity across the country, noting that kidnappings and violent attacks have become widespread in both urban and rural communities. “This is no longer about isolated incidents. It is now a horrifying pattern. Nigerians are being kidnapped from highways, farms, communities and even their homes, while the government continues to issue sterile statements and recycled assurances that bear no resemblance to the lived reality of our people,” he stated.
According to him, insecurity under the current administration has evolved into a national emergency affecting every aspect of life and economic activity. “Citizens now travel with prayers instead of protection. Families sleep with one eye open. Businesses are shutting down, farmers are abandoning their land, and entire communities are being surrendered to criminals,” he said.
Failure of Government
The former Vice President maintained that any government unable to secure major highways and protect citizens has failed in one of its most fundamental responsibilities. “A government that cannot secure its highways cannot claim to govern. A government that watches citizens get hunted like prey has failed the most elementary test of leadership,” he added.
Atiku specifically referenced the Abuja-Kaduna highway and surrounding corridors, which he described as recurring hotspots for criminal attacks despite repeated assurances by the government and huge security spending. “It is particularly tragic that the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding routes have remained notorious theatres of terror despite repeated promises, security budgets running into trillions, and endless propaganda about progress,” he said.
Demand for Accountability
He called on the Federal Government to provide clear answers on its security strategy and demonstrate greater urgency in tackling banditry and violent crimes. “Nigerians deserve answers. What exactly is the security strategy of this administration? Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability? How many more deaths must be recorded before this government realises that press releases do not defeat bandits?” he queried.
Atiku further stated that no amount of political messaging could conceal the gravity of the nation’s security crisis. “No amount of political spin can deodorise this failure. A nation where former lawmakers die in captivity while criminals operate with audacity is a nation in distress,” he said.
Call for Concrete Action
The former Vice President stressed that Nigerians are demanding concrete action rather than routine statements of sympathy. “At this point, what Nigerians need is not another hollow condolence message. They need decisive leadership, coherent action and measurable results,” he added.
Atiku extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Jigawa State and all Nigerians affected by insecurity, while urging the Federal Government to treat the worsening security situation as a national emergency requiring immediate and decisive intervention.
