Atiku Demands Swift Rescue Of Family Abducted In Kaduna

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on security agencies to urgently rescue a man, his wife and their infant daughter abducted in Millennium City, Kaduna State.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the call on Monday while reacting to a disturbing video showing the family in the custody of armed kidnappers demanding N300 million ransom.

In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku described the video of the abducted man, identified as Ahmad Abubakar Zakka, as a painful reminder of the insecurity threatening lives and separating families across Nigeria.

He urged security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of Zakka, his wife, their daughter and other Nigerians being held captive.

The video showed Zakka sitting with his young daughter on his lap while his wife sat beside him as they appealed to the public for help.

One of the armed kidnappers was seen pointing an AK-47 rifle at Zakka’s head while threatening to kill him.

In the footage, Zakka identified himself and appealed for assistance, disclosing that his abductors were demanding N300 million for the family’s release.

“My name is Ahmad Abubakar Zakka,” he said.

“I am seeking help from God, and I am asking you to come to our aid. I was taken away on Monday.”

He subsequently pleaded with the public to intervene, saying the kidnappers had demanded N300 million.

“Please, I am pleading for help. Please help me, help me… They are demanding a ransom of N300 million. Please come to our aid and help us,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku said no Nigerian should be forced to plead for their life or the safety of their family while in the hands of criminals.

He expressed particular concern over the presence of an infant in the ordeal, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

The former vice-president also linked the worsening insecurity to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerian families, noting that rising food and transport costs had already placed significant pressure on households.

According to him, insecurity further deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods and imposes emotional and financial burdens on affected families.

“This tragedy comes as families are already struggling with the crushing cost of living,” the statement partly read.

“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.”

Atiku urged the government to move beyond assurances and implement a sustained response to kidnapping and other security threats.

“Every Nigerian deserves to live, work and raise a family without the constant fear of violence,” he stated.

He said the government must prioritise the rescue of abducted persons, protect vulnerable communities and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the attacks.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Zakka family and all families enduring the trauma of kidnapping,” he said.

Atiku added that protecting the lives of Nigerians must remain an overriding responsibility of the government.

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