Atiku Abubakar Condemns Killings in Plateau and Borno States, Calls for Urgent Security Reforms
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent killings in both Plateau and Borno States. In a statement shared on his official X page, Atiku expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“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.”
He described the situation as “regrettable” and “entirely unacceptable,” attributing the persistent loss of lives to 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.”
Atiku also condemned the escalating wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State:
“Every sincere Nigerian should be disturbed by how terrorists and bandits operate with impunity, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicenter 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 demoralized.”
He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritize the prosecution of terrorists and called for the establishment of special courts 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.”
According to Atiku, condemnation after the fact is no longer enough. What Nigeria needs are proactive and preventive actions.
“As long as these criminals face no real consequences, they will continue to return and 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 also appealed to community members to shun collaboration with armed groups and instead support security forces by sharing intelligence.
“Security is a shared responsibility. 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.”
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future.”
While Atiku Abubakar may not be seen by some as the most righteous person to deliver this message, the focus should be on the message, not the messenger. Insecurity in Nigeria has become a frightening reality — people are afraid to leave their homes. Not that staying indoors guarantees safety either.
The security agencies must step up, and indeed, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must fix up. Let’s not forget that during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, then-opposition leader Tinubu stated on X, “In matters of security, the onus lies on the table of the President.” Now that he holds that office, one can only hope he walks his talk. After all, the primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens — even before providing infrastructure.
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