A coalition of civil society organization under the aegis of United Front for Development of Democracy, UFDD, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State to intensify efforts in the search of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata who was abducted over two months ago.
Recall that on August 1, Mr Dadiyata, a media activist and staunch supporter of Kwankwasiyya Movement, was abducted by unknown gunmen at his residence at Barnawa Quarters in Kaduna State.
Mr Dadiyata, a lecturer with Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, is also known for his fierce criticism against Messrs Buhari and El-Rufa’i as well as Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.
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Addressing a press conference in Kano on Tuesday, the Executive Director of UFDD, Ismail Auwal, lamented that it was exactly 83 days since Mr Dadiyata was abducted while his whereabouts was yet to be known.
According to him, Mr Dadiyata’s disappearance had become a source of concern and physical trauma to his parents, family and friends.
He said: “Gentlemen of the press, as some of you and other Nigerians are aware on Thursday, August 1, 2019 a young university lecturer, with Federal University Dutsin Ma, Katsina state, a human right and social media activist, in person of Abubakar Idris popularly known as Dadiyata was whisked away at his Barnawa Quarters residence in Kaduna state.
“Two armed men were said to have taken him away immediately after he parked his BMW car at around 10:00pm. It is 83 days today and his whereabouts still remained unknown.
“While the family still remains in these difficult times, they managed to survive with other supports from extended family and friends. The family is under so much emotional, psychological and physical stress dealing with his absence, unsure if he is alive or dead.
“The young man sacrificed everything to make sure his children, wife, and parent are safe, secure and getting all their basic needs.
“His wife and children to this hour, nose pressed to the window looking out and still expecting his return, but to no avail.
“This mystery must be unveiled by the constituted and responsible authorities.
“His parents think about him and expecting his return every day. The tick tuck of time is disturbing.
“The family wants to see him in this world and not the other. Through their tears, anger, and confusion, there is one feeling that has never wavered even in the darkest times – which is the unbreakable love for him,” Mr Auwal noted.
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The executive-director noted further that the primary responsibility of the Nigerian government, according to the constitution, is, among others, protection of the lives and property of all citizens.
He added that “Chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution 1999 amended clearly declares that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
“As citizens of Nigeria, as provided by chapter 4, section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended: Right to freedom of expression and the press, we have a responsibility to stand up and speak and ask where is Dadiyata?
“We have a duty to call on all concerned authorities into order when they fall short of their responsibilities.
“We call on the security parastatals at both federal and state levels as well as the all the relevant stakeholders, to leave no stone unturned to ensure his safe return in good condition and health to his family.
“We call the attention of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to wade into the matter and take the necessary actions based on one of its cardinal campaign points since 2015: ensuring security and securing the country from crime and criminal activities.
“We do urge the Kaduna state government, where he was abducted, under the leadership of Governor Nasir El Rufa’i to intensify its effort in ensuring the matter is amicably resolved.
“Equally, failure to take concrete action on this issue is at the detriment of the hope of the last common man, which is justice,” he said.
