The death of former House of Representatives member, Abba Adamu, while in the hands of kidnappers has reignited national concern over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sharply criticising the Tinubu administration’s handling of security affairs.
Adamu was abducted on 3 May along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, a route widely regarded as one of the country’s most dangerous corridors due to repeated attacks by armed groups. He was confirmed dead nine days later while still in captivity, despite reported efforts by his family to secure his release.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the incident as a painful illustration of what he termed the breakdown of national security under the current administration.
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He said, “The death of Adamu is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration. Let us be brutally honest: Nigeria is under siege, and this administration appears either overwhelmed, indifferent, or dangerously incompetent in the face of this national emergency.”
He further stressed that the killing of a former federal lawmaker in such circumstances exposed the vulnerability of citizens across all social strata, questioning what hope remained for ordinary Nigerians who lack influence or visibility.
Atiku asked, “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?”
The former Vice President further argued that insecurity in the country has evolved beyond isolated incidents, establishing that it now represents a persistent national pattern affecting highways, rural communities, farms, and residential areas.
He said further, “This is no longer about isolated incidents. It is now a horrifying pattern. 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.”
Atiku also criticised the continued attacks along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor despite repeated government assurances and substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector. He questioned the effectiveness of the state’s response mechanisms and called for accountability.
He stated, “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: “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.”
Atiku demanded clarity on the administration’s security strategy, insisting that Nigerians deserve concrete action rather than statements of reassurance.
He queried, “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 concluded by urging the Federal Government to treat the security situation as an emergency requiring decisive leadership, coordinated action, and measurable results. While extending condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Jigawa State, he warned that continued failure to act decisively would deepen public despair in an already fragile security environment.
The incident has once again placed the Abuja–Kaduna highway under scrutiny. It highlights the persistent dangers faced by commuters despite ongoing government assurances of improved security.
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