Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government, the Imo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue travellers abducted in the state, including prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Atiku, who served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, described the abduction of 20 travellers in Imo State as “heartbreaking”, noting that although some of the victims had been rescued, others remained in captivity.
He urged the authorities to act with urgency to secure the safe release of all those still being held by their abductors.
The former vice-president also raised concerns over the continued captivity of more than 70 pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State, saying the victims must not be forgotten months after their abduction.
He called on the authorities to provide the affected families with regular and clear updates while ensuring that the public is adequately informed about efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Atiku also criticised the security situation in the country, arguing that Nigerians continue to face threats from kidnappers on highways, in communities and around educational institutions.
He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s promise that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would contribute to funding security, but expressed concern that young Nigerians remained vulnerable to abduction at different stages of their education and national service.
According to him, students are facing security challenges in secondary schools, financial difficulties in accessing university education and increasing risks while travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
Atiku further questioned the allocation of large pipeline security contracts to companies he described as politically connected, arguing that greater priority should be given to protecting ordinary Nigerians from criminal elements.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of government.
While expressing hope for the immediate and safe rescue of all abducted persons and the return of those still unaccounted for, Atiku said his commitment to building a safer and more affordable Nigeria remained firm.
He said such a country should provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to create, build and prosper without being exposed to avoidable security and economic challenges.
