Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned what he described as a grave lapse in Nigeria’s political and military leadership following the reported killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by terrorists.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X on Monday, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked” by the development, criticising the military for failing to provide a clear account of the incident.
The former vice president referenced initial official denials surrounding the circumstances of Uba’s death, saying the conflicting reports reflected a troubling lack of transparency.
He argued that the situation underscored a deeper leadership failure at the highest levels of government.
“For me, this is unequivocally a failure of political leadership,” Atiku wrote, accusing President Bola Tinubu of focusing more energy on undermining the opposition than on fulfilling his constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief to secure the country.
Describing General Uba’s death and that of the soldiers under his command as “one death too many,” Atiku warned that Nigeria is confronting a dangerous resurgence of terrorism that demands urgent and decisive action.
He called on citizens and military authorities to remain steadfast, assuring that “even this season shall pass away.”
Atiku also urged President Tinubu to consider empowering the military to take full control of Borno State or any other state intensely affected by terrorism until lasting security is restored.
“We must care enough for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our sake,” he said.
In a pointed message to the president, Atiku insisted that Nigeria’s security is Tinubu’s foremost responsibility: “You must live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign.”
He extended his condolences to the Armed Forces, the family of the late Brigadier General Uba, and all Nigerians grappling with the persistent wave of insecurity.
