Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as inadequate handling of the country’s worsening security situation.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks across parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
Reacting to the violence, Atiku called on the President to move beyond what he termed repeated assurances and adopt more decisive measures to address the killings.
“Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” he said.
The former vice president expressed concern that despite recent assurances from the presidency, attacks have continued unabated.
He pointed out that within 72 hours of Tinubu’s pledge that violence in Plateau State would not recur, fresh killings were reported in Benue State.
“I wish to remind President Bola Tinubu to keep to his words that ‘this (Angwan Rukuba attack) will not repeat itself.
”It does appear that those words are hollow because barely 72 hours, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives,” Atiku stated.
He also highlighted growing insecurity in other parts of the country, including reports of residents fleeing communities in Nasarawa amid threats of attacks, as well as renewed violence in Kaduna State.
“And as if those are not enough, there was 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,” he added.
Atiku also extended condolences to families affected by the violence, assuring them of his support and prayers during the difficult period.
His remarks came amid similar criticism from former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who also faulted the federal government’s response to the surge in attacks.
In his own reaction, Obi referenced the President’s recent visit to victims in Jos, where assurances were given that such incidents would not happen again.
“‘This experience will not repeat itself’—another presidential promise fails in less than 24 hours,” Obi wrote.
He noted that shortly after the President’s visit on April 2, another attack reportedly occurred in Nyamgo Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area, resulting in additional casualties.
The renewed violence coincided with the Easter period, which was marred by coordinated attacks across several northern states, leaving at least 16 people dead and many others injured.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing nine people and forcing residents to flee.
Kaduna State also witnessed attacks on two churches in Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area, where five worshippers were reportedly killed and several others abducted.
In Katsina State, a police officer was killed during fresh banditry incidents in Musawa and Matazu local government areas.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area, destroying homes and shops and displacing residents.
The spate of violence has heightened concerns over national security, with growing calls for stronger and more coordinated action to protect lives and restore stability across affected regions.
