Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep shock and concern over the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, describing the incident as clear evidence that no Nigerian is safe under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the brazen daytime abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the Elewura area of Challenge, Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were reportedly taken while on their way to school.
"This latest incident involving the family of a prominent government figure further confirms what millions of Nigerians already know: under President Bola Tinubu, insecurity has reached alarming levels where even the well-connected and influential are not spared," Atiku said.
The former Vice President extended his solidarity to the Adelabu family and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims. He urged security agencies to prioritize the safe rescue of Mrs. John-Paul and her children while bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Atiku emphasized that the abduction highlights the broader failure of the Tinubu administration to address the worsening security challenges across the country.
"Nigerians are living in fear. From the North to the South, no region is spared. When even the family of a serving or former minister can be abducted in broad daylight in a major city like Ibadan, it is clear that the government has lost control of the security situation," he added.
He reiterated his long-standing call for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including better intelligence gathering, improved welfare for security personnel, and a more proactive approach to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
Atiku Abubakar prayed for the safe return of the victims and urged the government to move beyond rhetoric to concrete, effective action in restoring peace and confidence in the ability of the Nigerian state to protect its citizens