Non-fulfillment of constitutional obligations, catalyst to kidnapping cases – Atiku

Adebayo Adenrele



The 2023 Presidential candidate under the umbrella of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has attributed the recent kidnapping saga in the country to the federal government’s non-fulfillment of constitutional obligations of protecting the lives and property of citizens.

Taking to his X handle, formerly Twitter, Atiku said this in his reaction to the recent kidnapping saga in Abuja, where victims lost their lives.

Atiku said such lapses are invitation to kidnappers and other criminal elements to dominate the nooks and crannies of the country.

He urged federal government and security units in the country to address the issue urgently to regain the trust of Nigerians.

He wrote, “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.”