Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the death of former House of Representatives member, Abba Anas Adamu, after bandits kidnapped him along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
Gunmen kidnapped Adamu on May 3, 2026. He died in captivity on May 12 despite efforts by his family to secure his release.
Atiku described the incident as another sign of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, said the killing showed the Federal Government had failed in its duty to protect lives and property.
“His death is yet another grim reminder of the worsening collapse of security under the Tinubu administration,” Atiku said.
He warned that ordinary Nigerians face greater danger if criminals can abduct a former federal lawmaker on a major highway.
“When criminals abduct a former member of the National Assembly and keep him in captivity, ordinary Nigerians become even more vulnerable,” he said.
Atiku said kidnappers and armed groups now attack citizens across highways, farms and communities without fear.
“Let us be brutally honest: Nigeria is under siege,” he said.
He accused the government of relying on repeated assurances instead of decisive action. He also said insecurity now disrupts daily life across the country.
According to him, many families live in fear while businesses shut down, and farmers abandon their lands because of violent attacks.
The former Vice-President criticized the continued attacks along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor despite repeated promises from authorities to secure the route.
“It is particularly tragic that the Abuja-Kaduna corridor remains a theatre of terror despite huge security spending,” he said.
Atiku questioned the government’s security strategy and demanded accountability from security agencies and political leaders.
“Nigerians deserve answers. Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability?” he asked.
Atiku extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the people of Jigawa State.
He urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and take stronger action against banditry and kidnappings.
The Kaduna-Abuja highway has witnessed repeated kidnappings and deadly attacks in recent years. The latest incident has renewed public concern over insecurity in northern Nigeria.
