Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grief and outrage over the recent spate of killings in Plateau and Borno states, describing the incidents as signs of a worsening security crisis under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on his official X account on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the Sunday attack in Zike community, Kimakpa area of Kwali district in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 47 people were reported killed. The tragedy follows an earlier assault in Bokkos Local Government Area.
“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State, particularly the recent killings in Zike community in the Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area, where at least 47 innocent lives were lost on Sunday.
“This tragedy, coming just days after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA, is a grim reminder of the worsening state of security in our country,” Atiku said.
He pointed to the federal government’s inability to prevent these attacks as a failure of its core responsibility, holding President Tinubu accountable for what he termed growing insecurity across the country.
“It is regrettable and entirely unacceptable that these Nigerians had to lose their lives as a result of the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration.
“The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government. Unfortunately, President Tinubu has failed these citizens and continues to fail them,” he stated.
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Atiku also raised alarm over ongoing terrorist activities in Borno State, citing recent concerns by Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.
“I also condemn the escalating wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State, which, according to Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, has resulted in the loss of lives and territory to insurgents.
These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture,” he added.
He argued that the prolonged failure to prosecute known terrorists has only emboldened further violence, calling for urgent judicial intervention to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be disturbed by how terrorists and bandits operate with impunity, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of this violence.
“The continued delay in prosecuting terrorists and bandits, some of whom have been in custody since 2016, has only emboldened these mass murderers.
“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. Instead, justice is being delayed, and our security forces are being demoralised.”
He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritise terrorism-related cases and proposed setting up special courts to accelerate the legal process.
“The Attorney General of the Federation must prioritise the prosecution of these criminals, and special courts should be established to fast-track their trials.
“Our justice system must not give the impression that terrorism pays. I am also alarmed by reports of armed criminal groups crossing our borders to carry out attacks. This is a national disgrace and further proof of a failed security framework,” he said.
Atiku also called for a more decentralized security approach, urging lawmakers to pass laws that allow state governments to arm and empower local security outfits.
“Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions. As long as these criminals face no real consequences, they will continue to return to inflict more pain on innocent people.
“I urge the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation that allows state governments to properly arm and equip their security outfits with modern weapons. This will strengthen our overall security architecture and help relieve the overstretched federal security agencies,” he said.
He appealed to communities not to shield armed groups but instead work with security agencies by providing useful information.
“At the same time, I must call on community members to reject collaboration with armed groups and instead support our security forces by sharing intelligence. Security is a shared responsibility,” he said.
While praising the nation’s security personnel, he emphasized the need for more robust support from government.
“I commend the courage and sacrifices of our security forces. 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 added.
