Atiku slammed the Nigerian government over rising insecurity as a former lawmaker died in kidnappers’ den

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security approach following the death of former member of parliament Abba Adamu while in the custody of kidnappers.

Adamu was reportedly kidnapped by armed bandits along the Abuja-Kaduna highway on May 3 and is said to have died nine days later despite efforts by his family to negotiate his release.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the incident as evidence of what he called the deepening security crisis facing the country.

According to the former vice president, the former lawmaker’s death highlights what he sees as the government’s inability to effectively protect citizens and maintain national security.

“Adamu’s death is yet another grim reminder of deteriorating security under Tinubu’s administration. Let’s be honest: Nigeria is under siege, and this administration appears overwhelmed, indifferent or grossly incompetent in dealing with this national emergency.

“When a former member of the National Assembly is kidnapped on one of the most strategic highways in the country and dies in captivity, what hope is left for ordinary Nigerians who have no visibility, influence or protection?”

READ ALSO: Mrs Ilebaye accuses his father of wanting N50 million from BBNaija prize money

The opposition figure and head of the African Democratic Congress lamented that kidnappings and violent attacks have spread across the country, affecting highways, rural communities, farms and residential areas.

“This is no longer about isolated incidents. This is now a horrific pattern. Nigerians are being abducted from roads, farms, communities, even from their homes, while the government continues to issue useless statements and recycled assurances that do not correspond to the reality of our people’s lives,” he said.

Atiku further argued that insecurity under the current administration has become commonplace, with many citizens now living and traveling in fear while economic activities, particularly agriculture and business operations, continue to experience disruption.

Waziri Adamawa also condemned the persistent insecurity along the Abuja-Kaduna road despite repeated assurances from security agencies and significant budgetary allocations for the sector.

“A government that cannot secure its highways cannot claim to be ruler. A government that sees its citizens hunted like prey has failed the most basic test of leadership.

“It is tragic that the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding routes remain an arena of terror despite repeated promises, security budgets running into trillions, and relentless propaganda about progress,” he added.

Questioning the Federal Government’s overall security response, Atiku demanded greater accountability and a clearer plan of action from the government.

“Nigerians deserve answers. What exactly is this administration’s security strategy? Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability? How many more deaths must be recorded before the government realizes that press releases cannot defeat bandits?

“No political turnaround can erase this failure. A country where former MPs die in custody while criminals operate brazenly is a country in trouble.

“At this juncture, what Nigerians need is not hollow messages of condolence. They need decisive leadership, coherent action and measurable results,” he said.

The former vice president also expressed his condolences to the family of the late former lawmaker, the people of Jigawa State and Nigerians affected by insecurity across the country, while urging the Federal Government to urgently address the deteriorating security situation.