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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sorrow and outrage over the recent wave of killings in Plateau and Borno states, describing the incidents as a reflection of the worsening security situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a strongly worded statement issued on his official X account on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the latest attack in the Zike community, in the Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, where at least 47 persons were killed.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, comes on the heels of another deadly attack 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.
The former vice president laid blame for the incident on the Federal Government, accusing Tinubu of failing to uphold the primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“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”, Atiku stated.
He also raised the alarm over continued terrorist attacks in Borno State, noting the increasing loss of life and territorial control to insurgents.
Atiku cited concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, as further evidence of a deteriorating security situation.
“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.
According to Atiku, the failure to prosecute known terrorists has emboldened their activities across the country.
He urged swift and decisive judicial action to hold perpetrators accountable.
He continued, “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 called on the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritise terrorism-related prosecutions and recommended the establishment of special courts to expedite justice.
“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 legislative action to enable states to better secure their territories by arming and equipping 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 also urged community members to avoid aiding criminal groups and instead support the security forces by providing vital intelligence.
“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 commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, Atiku stressed the need for greater support from the 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.
