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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has decried the abduction of Ahmed Zakka, his wife and infant child in Kaduna State and demanded swift action from security agencies to secure their release.
Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Monday, was reacting to a disturbing video showing the family in captivity.
Zakka was reportedly abducted from his home in Millennium City, a fast-growing estate on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis in Chikun Local Government Area, which has witnessed a series of recent raids by armed bandits.
In the viral footage which emerged on Sunday, Zakka is seen holding his baby while sitting beside his wife, with an armed man visible nearby.
The presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) said, “The disturbing video of Ahmed Zakka, reportedly abducted alongside his wife and infant child in Kaduna State, is a painful reminder of the insecurity that continues to threaten lives and tear families apart across Nigeria.”
Daily Sun gathered that the abductors have demanding N300 million ransom.
Atiku said no Nigerian should have to plead for their life in the hands of criminals.
“No Nigerian should have to plead for their life or the safety of their family in the hands of criminals. The thought of an infant caught in this ordeal is especially heartbreaking,” he said.
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He urged security agencies to act decisively to secure their release.
“I urge the relevant security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe release of Ahmed Zakka, his wife, their child and every other Nigerian still held in captivity,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president linked the insecurity to the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
“This tragedy comes as families are already struggling with the crushing cost of living. Nigerians are battling the rising cost of food, transport and other essentials; they should not also have to live in fear of being abducted in their homes or on the roads,” he said.
“Insecurity deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods and leaves families bearing both emotional and financial burdens they can scarcely afford,” Atiku added.
He called on the Federal Government to move beyond assurances and deliver sustained security intervention.
“The government must move beyond assurances and deliver an effective, sustained response: rescue those in captivity, protect vulnerable communities and dismantle the networks responsible for these crimes. Every Nigerian deserves to live, work and raise a family without the constant fear of violence.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Zakka family and all families enduring the trauma of kidnapping. The protection of every Nigerian life must remain an overriding responsibility of government,” Atiku stated.
