Former Vice-President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, describing the incident as another alarming sign of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in broad daylight in Ibadan, Oyo State, near the busy Challenge area—one of the city’s most crowded commercial zones.
The incident has triggered renewed concerns over the boldness of kidnappers operating in public spaces without resistance.
Atiku Expresses Shock Over Attack in Busy Ibadan Location
In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the incident highlights how far insecurity has spread across the country.
He noted that the abduction taking place in such a high-traffic area reflects a dangerous breakdown in public safety.
According to him, the development shows that no location in Nigeria can currently be considered truly secure.
“Insecurity Has Reached Everyone” — Atiku
The former vice-president said the latest kidnapping underscores the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis, which he believes has been ignored for too long.
He stressed that insecurity is now affecting all categories of citizens, regardless of status, location or political affiliation.
Atiku warned that Nigerians can no longer feel safe in cities, rural communities, highways or even schools.
“Kidnappers Do Not Ask for Party Cards”
Atiku also criticised what he described as the non-partisan nature of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, noting that criminals do not distinguish between political parties or social status.
He argued that kidnappers target anyone available, whether they are government officials, opposition figures, traders, students or farmers.
According to him, the crisis has reached a point where every Nigerian is now vulnerable.
A System Under Strain
The former vice-president lamented that families across the country are living in fear while criminal groups continue to operate with increasing confidence.
He said the persistence of kidnapping incidents reflects deeper governance and security failures that require urgent attention.
Atiku also criticised what he described as a pattern of weak responses to security challenges, calling for more decisive action.
Call for Intelligence-Driven Security Strategy
Atiku urged the Federal Government to adopt a more coordinated and intelligence-based approach to tackling kidnapping and violent crime.
He said such a strategy should focus on dismantling criminal networks, protecting vulnerable communities and restoring public trust in security agencies.
According to him, anything short of a comprehensive response will continue to leave citizens exposed.
Demand for Immediate Rescue and Justice
The former vice-president called for the immediate rescue of Adelabu’s relatives and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.
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He also expressed solidarity with the Adelabu family, as well as other Nigerian families affected by kidnapping and violent attacks.
Atiku warned that Nigeria’s insecurity crisis can no longer be treated with routine statements, insisting that urgent and sustained action is needed to reverse the trend.
A Nation on Edge
As the search for the abducted victims continues, the incident has once again highlighted growing fears among Nigerians over rising insecurity.
For many, the attack in one of Ibadan’s busiest areas reinforces the belief that urgent reforms are needed to restore confidence in public safety across the country.