Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for urgent action to secure the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other travellers abducted in Imo State. The incident has been widely discussed as the Atiku NYSC abduction.
According to Vanguard, Atiku described the abduction of 20 travellers as “heartbreaking”. He urged federal and state authorities to ensure those still being held return safely. This call for action came amid the rise in reports around the Atiku NYSC abduction.
“The abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective corps members, in Imo State is heartbreaking,” Atiku said.
He added: “Some have been rescued, but others remain in captivity.” For many families, the Atiku NYSC abduction highlights their ongoing concerns.
Atiku raises Borno students’ case
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate also drew attention to more than 70 pupils and students reportedly still being held. They were abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State.
“These children must not be forgotten,” he said.
“Their families deserve clear updates, and the public deserves answers.”
‘First duty is to protect lives’
Atiku criticised the country’s security situation and questioned whether government spending was delivering adequate protection for citizens. Meanwhile, the Atiku NYSC abduction continues to draw national attention to lapses in safety.
“Young people face danger in secondary school, struggle with unaffordable fees at university, and are now targets on their journeys to NYSC camps,” he said.
“This is a generation being failed at every stage.”
Atiku said the immediate priority should be the safe return of every abducted person.
“The first duty of government is to protect lives,” he added.
