Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of prospective corps members and other travellers still being held by kidnappers in Imo State. The abduction occurred recently, with 20 travellers, including prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, taken. Atiku described the incident as heartbreaking, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure the safe release of the captives.
According to Atiku, some of the victims had been rescued, but others remained in captivity. He urged the Federal and Imo State governments, and all security agencies, to act with urgency and bring everyone still being held home safely. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the country, particularly with regards to kidnappings and abductions.
Atiku also drew attention to pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State, saying more than 70 of them remained in captivity months after their abduction. He emphasized that these children must not be forgotten, and their families deserve clear updates on the efforts to secure their release. The public also deserves answers regarding the government's handling of the situation.
The former vice president criticized the Federal Government's handling of insecurity, recalling President Bola Tinubu's argument that savings from the removal of petrol subsidy would help strengthen security and other sectors. However, Atiku noted that Nigerians were still exposed to kidnappers on highways, in communities, and around schools, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the government's approach.
Atiku questioned the government's spending priorities, citing large pipeline security contracts while ordinary Nigerians continued to face criminal attacks. He emphasized that the first duty of government is to protect lives, and the current situation was unacceptable. The government's priorities have been called into question, with many Nigerians expecting more to be done to address the security challenges.
Atiku called for the immediate rescue of all those still in captivity and urged authorities to provide families with clearer information on ongoing efforts to secure their release. He also highlighted the struggles faced by young people in the country, including danger in secondary school, unaffordable fees at university, and now targets on their journeys to NYSC camps. The situation has been described as a generation being failed at every stage.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians calling for urgent action to address the security challenges in the country. Atiku's comments have added to the growing pressure on the government to take decisive action to protect citizens and ensure their safety. The government has been urged to take a more proactive approach to addressing the security situation and providing support to those affected by the kidnappings.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges FG to secure release of kidnapped prospective corps members and travellers in Imo State.
- Over 70 pupils and students remain in captivity months after their abduction from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State.
- Atiku criticizes FG's handling of insecurity and questions government's spending priorities.
