By Eric Elezuo
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the death of young Nigerians, who were kidnapped and killed by terrorists for failing to raise the ransom money.
Atiku took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account to express his condolences while criticizing the escalating violence and lawlessness being supervised by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku further called on the government to as matter of urgency address the dire security situation in the country.
“It is imperative that the authorities address this dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The statement in full:
The escalating violence and lawlessness in our nation deeply distresses me as bandits and kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked. Our youths and innocent citizens are being murdered daily. Just last Saturday, we lost Nabeeha to her captors.
Yesterday, the tragedy deepened with the murder of more victims, including Folorunsho Ariyo, a 13-year-old student. Folorunsho was one of ten people kidnapped from Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, on January 7th, 2024. It is obvious that the worsening poverty and hunger in the land is escalating the level of kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, the federal capital.
When the government fails to fulfil its constitutional obligations of protecting the lives and property of citizens, it is an invitation to kidnappers and other criminal elements to have a free rein visiting houses and hotels in and around the capital city, kidnapping citizens without resistance. This is a sad development.
It is imperative that the authorities address this dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people.
While I mourn with the deceased families, I pray to the Almighty to comfort them, grant the dead eternal peace and protect our nation. -AA
Recall that about 10 persons were kidnapped in Abuja last, and by weekend, the kidnappers killed four of their victims including a 400 level university student, Nabeeha, and 13-year-old daugher of a legal officer, Folurunsho.
