Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 election Atiku Abubakar has attributed the escalating kidnappings and insecurity in the country to worsening poverty and hunger in the land.
Atiku on Monday on his X handle, said the spate of violence in the country distresses him.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
He expressed concern that kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked, calling on the authorities to address the dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of Nigerians.
“It is imperative that the authorities address this dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people,” Atiku said
On January 5, armed kidnappers seized six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, a situation that has generated public outcry.
Last Sunday, the abductors killed Nabeeha, one of the six sisters, purportedly as a warning to the family for failing to pay the ransom of N60 million.
The former Vice president said: “While I mourn with the deceased families, I pray to the Almighty to comfort them, grant the dead eternal peace and protect our nation.