Atiku says Nigerians now budget ransom like school fees and house rent amid worsening insecurity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Tinubu's administration, stating that due to rising insecurity, Nigerians now treat ransom payments as routine household expenses comparable to school fees and house rent. Atiku made these remarks in a statement issued by his aide Phrank Shaibu on Thursday, describing how families go to bed praying not to receive midnight calls about abducted loved ones.

He linked the insecurity crisis to declining food production, explaining that farmers cannot access their farmlands due to attacks by armed groups, which has led to sharp drops in food output, rising prices, hunger, and widespread hardship. While acknowledging borrowing can be useful when well-managed, Atiku argued Nigeria's current debt has not improved living conditions, accusing the presidency of celebrating debt figures while millions struggle to afford one meal a day.

Atiku urged urgent government action to address real economic and security challenges instead of focusing on propaganda, warning that without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. His comments highlight how insecurity has penetrated daily financial planning for many Nigerian households.

With ransom payments becoming as routine as school fees and house rent for many families, how should households adjust their financial planning to balance safety essentials against other critical needs like food, education, and healthcare?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/29/nigerians-now-pay-ransom-like-house-rent-school-fees-atiku/