African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the abduction of 20 travellers, among them prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, in Imo State, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.”
In a statement, Atiku said some of the victims had been rescued while others remained in captivity. He urged the Federal Government, the Imo State Government and all security agencies to act urgently to secure the release of those still being held.
The former vice president also drew attention to the plight of more than 70 pupils and students abducted from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State, who he said remain in captivity months after they were taken. “These children must not be forgotten,” he said, adding that their families deserve clear updates and the public deserves answers.
Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to deliver on a promise that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would be used to strengthen security. He said Nigerians remain exposed to kidnappers 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,” he said. “This is a generation being failed at every stage.”
He also criticised the award of large pipeline security contracts to politically connected companies, while ordinary Nigerians, he said, are left to confront criminals. “The first duty of government is to protect lives,” Atiku stated.
The ADC candidate prayed for the safe rescue of all abducted young people and the return of those still unaccounted for. He reaffirmed his pledge to build “a safer and more affordable Nigeria, where young people can create, build and prosper,” saying his commitment to that promise remains “unshakable.”
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