Atiku Urges Swift Rescue Of Kidnapped Kaduna Abducted Couple, Infant Child 

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Ahmed Zakka, his wife, their infant child and other Nigerians held in captivity, insisting that every Nigerian deserves to live without fear of violence.

Atiku made the call in a post on his verified Facebook handle on Monday while reacting to a viral video showing Zakka, his wife and their infant child reportedly in the hands of kidnappers in Kaduna State.

The former vice-president described the video as disturbing, saying it highlighted the persistent insecurity threatening lives and tearing families apart across the country.

He expressed particular concern over the involvement of an infant in the ordeal, stressing that no Nigerian should have to plead for their life or the safety of their family while in the custody of criminals.

Atiku also linked the rising insecurity to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, noting that citizens already grappling with the high cost of living should not have the additional burden of fearing abduction in their homes or while travelling on the roads.

He called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims and urged the government to move beyond assurances by implementing a sustained response to kidnapping and other security threats.

Atiku wrote:

“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.

“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. 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.

“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. Insecurity deepens hardship, disrupts livelihoods and leaves families bearing both emotional and financial burdens they can scarcely afford.

“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.”