Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent spate of deadly attacks in Plateau and Borno states, describing them as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s failure to protect Nigerians.
Reacting to the gruesome killing of at least 47 people in Zike community, Kwali district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, the People’s Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer expressed outrage and sorrow. Notably, the attack came just days after a similar assault in Bokkos LGA, raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation.
“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State,” he said in a statement released via his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.
“This tragedy… is a grim reminder of the worsening state of security in our country.”
Read also: “Tinubu’s security system is dead on arrival” — Atiku blasts FG as Plateau bleeds again
Furthermore, Atiku slammed the federal government’s handling of national security, particularly under President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “regrettable and entirely unacceptable.”
“President Tinubu has failed these citizens and continues to fail them,” he declared.
In addition, Atiku lamented the growing wave of terrorist violence in Borno State. He cited concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, regarding the loss of lives and territory to insurgents.
“These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture,” Atiku stated.
Moreover, he criticized the government’s slow pace in prosecuting suspected terrorists, many of whom, according to him, have remained in custody since 2016. He argued that the prolonged delay in justice has only emboldened these criminals.
“If the same level of urgency and energy were devoted to the prosecution of terrorists as we have seen applied to the trials of political critics, we would have sent a clear and forceful message that crime has consequences,” he added.
Consequently, the former Vice President urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritize the prosecution of terrorism cases. He also advocated for the establishment of special courts to fast-track such trials.
Equally troubling, he noted, are reports of armed criminal groups crossing into Nigeria from neighboring countries to carry out attacks. He described this as “a national disgrace” and further proof of a failed security framework.
According to Atiku, “Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions.”
He, therefore, called on the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation empowering state governments to arm and equip local security outfits. Such action, he said, is crucial to strengthening the nation’s fragile security architecture and relieving the overstretched federal security agencies.
At the same time, Atiku appealed to community members to reject any form of collaboration with violent groups and instead support security forces by sharing credible intelligence.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, he emphasized that they need more than praise, they require full government backing and adequate resources.
“Their efforts remain invaluable, but they need the full support of the people and a government that prioritizes security, not just with words but with decisive action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atiku offered condolences to the victims, saying: “May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future.”
