By Halimah Olamide
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday linked the worsening insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory to what he called failure of governance.
Atiku was making reference to the surge in cases of kidnappings and killings of victims by bandits, a development that has heightened security concerns in the last few days.
Commenting on the developments in a tweet via his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku expressed regret over the killings of children who were snatched from their parents at the residential estates.
“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.”
Atiku said it is obvious that the worsening poverty and hunger in the country is escalating the level of kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, the federal capital.
He added, “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.”
The former vice president added that It is imperative that the authorities address what he described as “dire security situation”urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people.
He concluded, “While I mourn with the deceased families, I pray to the Almighty to comfort them, grant the dead eternal peace and protect our nation.”