‘No Nigerian Should Beg for Life’ — Atiku Reacts to Kaduna Family Kidnap

The reported abduction of Ahmed Zakka, his wife and their infant child in Kaduna State has drawn fresh concern from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who says no Nigerian should have to beg for survival in the hands of kidnappers.

Reacting in a post on X on Monday, Atiku described the disturbing video of the family as heartbreaking and a reflection of the insecurity troubling many communities across the country.

He 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.”

According to Atiku, “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 called on security agencies to move quickly to rescue the victims, 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.”

The former vice president noted that the incident comes at a time when many families are already struggling to cope with rising food prices, transport costs and other living expenses.

He said, “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 Federal Government to go beyond promises by rescuing victims, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings across the country.

He stressed, “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.”

He expressed support for the victims and their loved ones, saying, “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.”