Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on security agencies to urgently rescue Ahmed Zakka, his wife and their infant child, who were reportedly abducted in Kaduna State.
Atiku made the appeal in a post on X on Monday, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the insecurity affecting many parts of Nigeria.
According to him, “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.”
The presidential candidate added, “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 urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of the victims and others still being held by kidnappers, saying, “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 said the incident comes at a time when many Nigerians are already facing severe economic hardship caused by the rising cost of living.
According to him, “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. Insecurity deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods and leaves families bearing both emotional and financial burdens they can scarcely afford.”
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen its response to insecurity, saying, “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.”
Atiku concluded by expressing sympathy for the victims and their relatives, stating, “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.”
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, with political leaders and civil society groups repeatedly calling for stronger action to protect lives and secure the release of victims.
