Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, in Imo State, calling on both federal and state governments to secure the immediate release of those still held captive.
In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku described the incident as heartbreaking. While acknowledging that some victims have been rescued, he stressed that others remain in the hands of their abductors and urged the Federal Government, the Imo State Government, and security agencies to act with urgency to ensure their safe return.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate also renewed his concern over the prolonged captivity of more than 70 pupils and students abducted months ago from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State.
“These children must not be forgotten,” Atiku said, insisting that their families deserve clear updates and the public deserves answers.
He questioned the government’s approach to insecurity, noting that despite President Bola Tinubu’s pledge that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would be channelled into security funding, Nigerians continue to face kidnappings on highways, in communities, and around schools.
“Young people face danger in secondary school, struggle with unaffordable fees at university, and are now targets on their journeys to NYSC camps. This is a generation being failed at every stage,” he stated.
Atiku further criticised the award of pipeline security contracts to politically connected companies, arguing that ordinary citizens are left to bear the brunt of insecurity.
“Meanwhile, huge pipeline security contracts go to politically connected companies, while ordinary Nigerians are left to face criminals. The first duty of government is to protect lives,” he added.
Despite the criticisms, the former vice president reaffirmed his commitment to building a safer and more affordable Nigeria where young people can pursue their ambitions freely.
“While we pray for the immediate and safe rescue of every abducted young person and the return of all those still unaccounted for, my promise to build a safer and more affordable Nigeria, where young people can create, build and prosper, remains unshakable,” Atiku said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the 20 prospective NYSC members abducted by gunmen in Imo State have been subjected to physical assault. Their captors are demanding ₦5 million for the release of each victim.
A relative of one of the abducted graduates, Alhaja Alimot Akande, whose 25-year-old sister Kehinde is among those held, said the victims have been beaten since Saturday. She described the situation as “horrible, scary and overwhelming” and appealed to the government to intensify rescue efforts.
According to Akande, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million per victim before reducing the ransom to ₦5 million, with a reported deadline approaching and heightening fears among the victims’ families.
