Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, stating that many citizens now treat ransom payments as a regular part of survival due to the increasing rate of kidnappings across the country.
Atiku made the remarks while reacting to recent cases of abduction and insecurity affecting several communities. He lamented that kidnapping for ransom has become deeply rooted in many parts of the country, forcing families to constantly live in fear and financial distress.
According to him, the frequency of abductions has created a dangerous reality where ordinary Nigerians now set aside money for possible ransom demands in the same way they budget for essential expenses such as rent, school fees, and feeding. He described the development as tragic and unacceptable for a nation with functioning security institutions.
The former presidential candidate criticized the government’s handling of security challenges, arguing that citizens have gradually lost confidence in the ability of authorities to guarantee safety of lives and property. He stressed that many rural communities, travelers, students, farmers, and business owners now operate under constant fear of attacks by kidnappers and armed criminal groups.
Atiku also warned that the growing insecurity could have serious economic consequences, particularly in agriculture and commerce. He explained that many farmers are abandoning their farmlands due to fear of attacks, while businesses in several regions continue to suffer disruptions caused by criminal activities.
He called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, improve response time, and strengthen collaboration with local communities in tackling the menace. According to him, Nigeria urgently needs a more effective and coordinated security strategy capable of dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring public confidence.
The former Vice President further urged political leaders to treat insecurity as a national emergency rather than a partisan issue. He emphasized that protecting citizens should remain the primary responsibility of government at all levels.
His comments have continued to generate reactions from political observers and concerned citizens, many of whom share concerns about the increasing cases of abduction reported across different states. While some Nigerians agreed with his criticism of the security situation, others insisted that collective efforts from both government and citizens are necessary to combat criminal activities effectively.
Despite ongoing security operations in several regions, fears over kidnapping and ransom demands remain a major concern for many households and communities across the country.