Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the worsening insecurity in Nigeria following the reported death of former House of Representatives member Abba Anas Adamu, who allegedly died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Failing Citizens
Adamu was reportedly kidnapped on May 3, 2026, and died nine days later despite efforts by his family to secure his release. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the incident as another grim reminder of the collapse of security under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
“His death is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration,” Atiku said. He questioned the government's ability to guarantee citizens' safety, especially after repeated attacks and abductions on major highways and within communities.
“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.
Former Vice President Questions Government Response
Atiku accused the federal government of failing to provide effective solutions to security challenges. He noted that kidnappings, attacks on communities, and violent crimes continue despite repeated assurances from authorities.
“Nigerians are being kidnapped from highways, farms, communities, 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,” the statement read.
He also criticized inadequate security measures on the Abuja-Kaduna route, which has witnessed repeated bandit attacks and abductions over the years. “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 said.
Condolence Message to Victim’s Family
The former vice president extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Jigawa State, and all Nigerians affected by insecurity. He urged the federal government to urgently address the security situation and take decisive action against criminal groups.
“At this point, what Nigerians need is not another hollow condolence message. They need decisive leadership, coherent action, and measurable results,” Atiku added.
Adamu, a former lawmaker who represented the Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma federal constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, was kidnapped on May 3, 2026, around the Jere axis of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.
