Atiku: US Lobbying Firm Raises Alarm Over Alleged Assassination Plot

A United States-based lobbying and policy advisory firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has reportedly expressed concern over allegations of a possible threat to the life of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, according to reports attributed to the firm.

The allegation, which has emerged amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, was reportedly raised by Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has called on US President Donald Trump and other international leaders to pay attention to concerns over Atiku’s safety.

Frank has alleged that the former vice-president could face threats to his life and political freedom. However, the claim remains an allegation and has not been independently substantiated by publicly available evidence.

According to the reports, Von Batten-Montague-York, a lobbying firm reportedly engaged by Atiku for government affairs and strategic advisory services in the United States, intends to bring the concerns to the attention of US officials, including members of Congress and the Trump administration.

The reported move does not, in itself, establish that an assassination plot exists or that US authorities have confirmed the allegations. No independently verified evidence presented in the reports establishes that President Bola Tinubu or his administration is involved in any plan to harm Atiku.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has rejected the allegation, insisting that Tinubu and the council have no involvement in any plot to assassinate Atiku or any other opposition figure.

The council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, reportedly challenged Frank to provide evidence to support his claims, maintaining that such a serious allegation should not be treated as established fact without credible proof.

The council also called for any information concerning a genuine threat to be brought before the appropriate security agencies for investigation. It reportedly disputed claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn and maintained that the former vice-president remained under the protection of the relevant authorities.

According to statements attributed to the council, Tinubu had directed security agencies to strengthen protection for political candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. These assurances, however, do not independently resolve the specific allegations raised by Frank.

Frank’s appeal has renewed debate over the security of opposition politicians as preparations for the next general election gather momentum. He has urged international leaders and institutions to engage with the Nigerian government and seek assurances regarding the safety of opposition figures.

The lobbying firm’s reported intention to raise the matter with US officials has also drawn attention to the possibility of international scrutiny of concerns about political security in Nigeria. However, there is no independently confirmed information establishing that US authorities have opened a formal investigation into the alleged plot.

The claims and counterclaims have yet to establish that an assassination plot exists or identify any verified perpetrators. Any credible evidence of a threat to Atiku’s life would need to be assessed by the appropriate security agencies, while allegations of responsibility should be supported by verifiable evidence.

Atiku, a former vice-president and prominent opposition politician, remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. The controversy highlights the need for transparent investigation of credible security threats and careful distinction between allegations, official responses and independently established facts.

Atiku: US Lobbying Firm Raises Alarm Over Alleged Assassination Plot

‘We Don’t Know What Else to Do’ — Mother Begs for Release of Abducted Children

A distraught mother in Kaduna State, Dominic Tina, has appealed to Nigerians and security agencies to help secure the release of her two children, who were reportedly abducted in Rimi Kamazou about seven weeks ago.

Tina made the emotional appeal in a social media post, saying her family desperately needed assistance to secure the children’s safe return.

According to a report published by Linda Ikeji’s Blog on October 19, 2026, the mother shared photographs of her children, including an image she said was sent to the family by their abductors.

The photograph reportedly raised fresh concerns about the children’s situation as their family continued to seek help to bring them home.

In her appeal, Tina expressed frustration over the prolonged ordeal, saying her family no longer knew what else to do.

She wrote: “My family don’t know what to do again, please help me reshare. We desperately need assistance.”

The children’s abduction has left their mother and other family members in distress, with the appeal aimed at attracting public attention and possible assistance from relevant authorities.

However, details surrounding the abduction, including the identities of the suspected kidnappers, their possible demands and the latest condition of the children, could not be independently verified from the information available.

It was also unclear whether security agencies had made any breakthrough in efforts to secure the children’s release.

The case underscores the anguish experienced by families whose loved ones remain in captivity for extended periods and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to locate abducted persons.

Tina’s appeal has called attention to her family’s desperate search for a resolution, as hopes remain that the children will be reunited with their loved ones.

The relevant security authorities are urged to investigate the reported abduction and take appropriate steps to facilitate the children’s safe return.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Newstrends.ng could not independently verify the latest status of the case before publication. Further confirmation should be sought from the family or the Kaduna State Police Command.

‘We Don’t Know What Else to Do’ — Mother Begs for Release of Abducted Children

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