Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the security policies of President Bola Tinubu, following a deadly attack in Plateau State that resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people on Sunday.
The attack took place in the Zike community, Kimakpa area of Bassa Local Government Area, and came just a week after another deadly assault in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Atiku has pointed to the failure of the current administration’s security strategies, claiming that Tinubu’s policies have left citizens vulnerable to repeated terrorist and bandit attacks.
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He also highlighted the worsening situation in Borno State, where Boko Haram insurgents continue to carry out attacks, resulting in the loss of both lives and territory.
In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed deep concern over the increase in violence, which he believes shows the government’s inability to provide the necessary protection.
He noted that the frequency of attacks, especially in Northern Nigeria, is alarming and requires urgent attention from the federal government.
Atiku has called for stronger, more proactive measures to curb these attacks, particularly urging the government to prioritize the swift prosecution of captured terrorists and bandits.
He criticized the delayed judicial processes, with many criminals languishing in custody without trial since 2016, thus emboldening them to carry out their violent acts without fear of consequences.
The former vice president further condemned the ease with which armed groups operate across Nigeria’s borders, stressing that simply condemning terrorist activities is insufficient.
He called for immediate actions that could prevent future attacks and ensure justice for the victims. According to Atiku, the lack of accountability and justice is contributing to the continued insecurity in the country.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be worried about the frequency and impunity with which terrorists and bandits attack innocent people in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of terrorist violence in the country,” Atiku said in the statement made on Monday.
Atiku also added, “If the government had applied the same energy in the prosecution of terrorists and bandits as it did in the trial of political critics, it would have gone a long way to send a powerful message to the outlaws that there are consequences for mass murder.”
He further emphasised, “Hundreds of terrorists and bandits have been in custody since 2016 without trial, and the delay in bringing them to justice is demoralising to our security forces. If terrorists and bandits are captured and then are left in custody longer than necessary without trial, it will undermine the efforts and sacrifices of our security forces.”
