Adelabu’s family abduction shows no Nigerian is safe – Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, for the 2027 poll, Atiku Abubakar, has described the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as further evidence of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the kidnapping and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims, who were reportedly abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The former vice president said the incident underscores the growing reach of criminal gangs and demonstrates that insecurity has become a threat to every Nigerian, regardless of status, political affiliation, or social standing.

According to Atiku, the abduction at Challenge Bus Stop, one of Ibadan’s busiest locations, highlights the audacity of kidnappers and the weakening capacity of security agencies to deter violent crimes.

“The same insecurity that has turned the lives of ordinary Nigerians into a daily nightmare is now knocking on doors many in government may have assumed were beyond its reach,” he said.

Atiku argued that kidnapping has become a national emergency, affecting farmers, traders, students, public officials, and ordinary citizens alike.

He said that no one is insulated from the consequences of the country’s deteriorating security environment.

The ADC chieftain urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to move beyond what he described as a reactive approach to security and adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks, protecting vulnerable communities, and restoring public confidence.

The abduction has renewed concerns over the resurgence of kidnappings across Nigeria, with security experts warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national stability and public safety.