Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration for the increasing number of deadly attacks in Plateau State, accusing the government of gross incompetence and failure to protect Nigerian citizens.
🆘 Plateau Killings Blamed on Government Inaction
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku expressed his deep sorrow over the killing of 47 people in the Zike community in Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area. This tragic incident occurred just days after another attack in Bokkos LGA, intensifying Atiku’s concerns about the worsening security situation in the country.
“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State,” Atiku wrote. “It is utterly regrettable and unacceptable that Nigerians lost their lives due to the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration. The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government, and President Tinubu has failed in this regard.”
⚔️ Atiku Criticizes Failure to Address Terrorism
Atiku did not limit his criticism to Plateau State alone but extended it to the growing threat of terrorism, especially in Borno State. He referenced statements by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, who had both spoken about increasing losses of lives and territories to terrorist groups.
“These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture,” Atiku said.
The PDP leader also expressed concern about the federal government’s failure to bring terrorists and bandits to justice. He pointed out that suspects arrested as far back as 2016 are yet to be prosecuted, highlighting a lack of urgency in addressing terrorism.
“If the same level of urgency and energy were applied to prosecuting terrorists, as has been shown in trials of political critics, we would have sent a strong message that crime has consequences,” he stated.
⚖️ Call for Special Courts for Terrorism Prosecutions
Atiku urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritize terrorism-related prosecutions and called for the establishment of special courts to speed up these trials. He also condemned the government’s failure to prevent cross-border incursions by armed groups, describing this as a “national disgrace.”
“The people cannot continue to pay the price for government failures. Condemnation after the fact is not enough. We need proactive and preventive actions,” Atiku emphasized.
🛡️ Empowering State Governments for Better Security
Atiku also called on the National Assembly to pass legislation that would allow state governments to arm and equip their own security outfits with modern weapons. He stressed the importance of reinforcing the country’s overstretched security architecture.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Local communities must avoid collaborating with armed groups and instead support security agencies with intelligence,” Atiku said.
While acknowledging the efforts of Nigeria’s security forces, Atiku insisted that they need more support from the government in the form of decisive actions.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future,” Atiku concluded.
