Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on security agencies to urgently rescue a family of three abducted in Millennium City, Kaduna State. The family, identified as Ahmad Abubakar Zakka, his wife, and their infant daughter, was kidnapped on Monday. A video showing the family in the custody of armed kidnappers has been making the rounds, sparking widespread concern. In the footage, Zakka appeals for help, stating that his abductors are demanding N300 million for their release.
The video shows Zakka sitting with his young daughter on his lap while his wife sat beside him, all pleading for assistance. One of the armed kidnappers was seen pointing an AK-47 rifle at Zakka's head, threatening to kill him. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the video as a painful reminder of the insecurity threatening lives and separating families across Nigeria. He expressed concern over the presence of an infant in the ordeal, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
Atiku urged security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of Zakka, his wife, their daughter, and other Nigerians being held captive. He stated that no Nigerian should be forced to plead for their life or the safety of their family while in the hands of criminals. The former vice-president also linked the worsening insecurity to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerian families, noting that rising food and transport costs had already placed significant pressure on households.
According to Atiku, insecurity further deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods, and imposes emotional and financial burdens on affected families. He noted that Nigerians are battling the rising cost of food, transport, and other essentials, and should not also have to live in fear of being abducted in their homes or on the roads. The situation has sparked fears about the security situation in the country, particularly in Kaduna State.
Atiku urged the government to move beyond assurances and implement a sustained response to kidnapping and other security threats. He stated that the government must prioritize the rescue of abducted persons, protect vulnerable communities, and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the attacks. The former vice-president emphasized that protecting the lives of Nigerians must remain an overriding responsibility of the government.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for the government to take decisive action to address the security challenges facing the country. Atiku's statement is the latest in a series of reactions to the incident, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in the country. The government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the situation.
Atiku concluded by stating that his thoughts and prayers are with the Zakka family and all families enduring the trauma of kidnapping. He emphasized that every Nigerian deserves to live, work, and raise a family without the constant fear of violence. The incident has highlighted the need for the government to prioritize the security of its citizens and take concrete steps to address the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands immediate rescue of abducted family in Kaduna State.
- The abducted family, including an infant, was kidnapped in Millennium City, Kaduna State.
- Atiku links worsening insecurity to economic difficulties confronting Nigerian families.
