Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, declaring that Nigeria is now “under siege” amid worsening insecurity.
Atiku made the remarks on Tuesday while reacting to the death of former House of Representatives member, Abba Anas Adamu, who was reportedly abducted by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on May 3, 2026, and died in captivity nine days later despite efforts by his family to secure his release.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president described the incident as a “damning indictment” of the government’s handling of security.
“His death is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration,” Atiku said.
“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.”
The Waziri Adamawa said the abduction and death of a former federal lawmaker on one of the country’s busiest highways underscored the depth of the nation’s security crisis.
“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?” he asked.
Atiku argued that insecurity has now become a “cruel national routine,” forcing citizens to live in fear while farmers abandon their farmlands and businesses shut down due to persistent attacks.
He also faulted repeated assurances by the government, saying they have failed to produce meaningful improvements, particularly along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, which he described as a “theatre of terror.”
“Nigerians deserve answers. What exactly is the security strategy of this administration? Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability?” he queried.
The former vice president called on the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and provide decisive leadership capable of restoring public confidence and safety across the country.
