By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over the persistent insecurity in the country, accusing the government of failing to protect lives and property.
This follows a fresh wave of deadly attacks during the Easter period.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his verified social media account on Monday, Atiku reminded President Tinubu of his recent promise after the Angwan Rukuba attack in Plateau State that “this experience will not repeat itself.”
He described the assurance as appearing “hollow” because, barely 72 hours later, another attack occurred in Benue State, claiming over a dozen lives.
Atiku expressed concern over the situation in a Nasarawa community, where families were forced to flee on foot due to imminent threats of attack.
He also condemned a fresh attack in Kaduna State at the weekend.
“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens. Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice President urged the Commander-in-Chief to “brace up to the challenges of governance” and take decisive action to stem the tide of violence.
Atiku extended his condolences, saying: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have lost a dear one in these attacks.”
The statement comes amid reports of multiple violent incidents over the Easter weekend, including an attack in Mbalom community in Benue State’s Gwer East Local Government Area, where at least nine to 17 people were reportedly killed, with homes destroyed and some residents still missing. Similar concerns have been raised about displacement in parts of Nasarawa State due to banditry and threats, as well as attacks on communities and churches in Kaduna State.
President Tinubu had visited Jos recently to commiserate with victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack and pledged that such incidents would not recur.
Atiku’s criticism highlights growing public frustration with the federal government’s handling of insecurity, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, where farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and attacks on rural communities continue to claim lives and displace thousands.
As of the time of this report, there has been no immediate response from the Presidency to Atiku’s statement.
Security agencies are said to be investigating the latest incidents, with some operations reported in Kaduna leading to the rescue of abducted persons.
The recurring violence has once again thrust the issue of national security to the forefront of national discourse, with many Nigerians calling for more proactive and effective
measures to safeguard citizens.
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