By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of travellers in Imo State and the continued captivity of dozens of pupils and students in Borno State, describing the situation as a heartbreaking failure of government to protect Nigerians.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, called on the Federal Government, the Imo State Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of all victims still being held by their abductors.
He said 20 travellers, including prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, were abducted in Imo State, noting that while some had been rescued, others remained in captivity.
“The abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective corps members, in Imo State is heartbreaking,” Atiku said, urging authorities to “act with urgency and bring everyone still being held home safely.”
The former Vice President also drew attention to the plight of more than 70 pupils and students reportedly abducted from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State, saying they had remained in captivity months after their abduction.
“These children must not be forgotten. Their families deserve clear updates, and the public deserves answers,” he said.
Atiku criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the worsening insecurity, recalling the President’s promise that savings from the removal of fuel subsidy would be deployed to strengthen security.
“Yet Nigerians remain exposed to kidnappers on our roads, in our communities and around our schools,” he said.
According to him, young Nigerians are increasingly bearing the brunt of the country’s challenges, facing insecurity in secondary schools, struggling with unaffordable university fees and now becoming targets while travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
“This is a generation being failed at every stage,” Atiku declared.
He further questioned the awarding of what he described as huge pipeline security contracts to politically connected companies, arguing that government’s priority should be the protection of citizens.
“The first duty of government is to protect lives,” he said.
Atiku expressed hope for the immediate and safe rescue of all abducted young Nigerians and the return of those still unaccounted for, while reaffirming his commitment to building a safer and more affordable Nigeria.
“My promise to build a safer and more affordable Nigeria, where young people can create, build and prosper, remains unshakable,” he added.
Precise Post recalls that the prospective corps members were abducted on their way to orientation camps in Abia State after gunmen attacked two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to the South-East and South-South.
According to the affected parents, the kidnappers are demanding N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion for the 20 abducted victims. The parents disclosed this during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
