By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the death of former House of Representatives member, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, who reportedly died while in the custody of bandits after his abduction along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
Reports indicated that the former lawmaker was kidnapped on May 3, 2026, and died nine days later despite efforts by his family to secure his freedom.
Reacting to the incident, Atiku described the development as another sign of the growing security challenges facing the country under the current administration.
“His death is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration,” he said.
The former vice-president spoke through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to Atiku, the death of a former federal lawmaker in the hands of kidnappers reflects what he described as the government’s inability to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“Let us be brutally honest: Nigeria is under siege, and the Tinubu administration appears either overwhelmed, indifferent, or dangerously incompetent in the face of this national emergency.
“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?
“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.
“Under this administration, insecurity has evolved from a crisis into a cruel national routine. Citizens now travel with prayers instead of protection. Families sleep with one eye open. Businesses are shutting down, farmers are abandoning their land, and entire communities are being surrendered to criminals.
“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.
“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.
“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?
“No amount of political spin can deodorise this failure. A nation where former lawmakers die in captivity while criminals operate with audacity is a nation in distress.
“At this point, what Nigerians need is not another hollow condolence message. They need decisive leadership, coherent action, and measurable results.”
Atiku also sympathised with the family of the deceased, the people of Jigawa State and Nigerians affected by insecurity across the country.
He urged the Federal Government to address the worsening security situation with urgency and take stronger measures to protect citizens.
