Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as its continued failure to protect Nigerians, following another deadly attack in Plateau State that claimed at least 47 lives.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, April 15, Atiku expressed grief over the killings in Zike community, Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area, describing it as a tragic indication of Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape.
“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,” Atiku wrote.
“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.”
He criticised the federal government’s handling of national security, saying the lives lost were a consequence of “the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration.”
“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,” he said.
“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 also raised alarm over growing terrorist activity in Borno State, citing reports from Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who have spoken publicly about the loss of both lives and territory to insurgents.
“These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture,” he said.
He lamented that Northern Nigeria has become the epicentre of terror and criminality, blaming the failure to prosecute long-detained terrorists for emboldening attacks.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be disturbed by how terrorists and bandits operate with impunity, especially in Northern Nigeria,” Atiku said.
“The continued delay in prosecuting terrorists and bandits, some of whom have been in custody since 2016, has only emboldened these mass murderers.”
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He called for the establishment of special courts to expedite the trial of terrorism suspects and stressed that Nigeria’s justice system must not appear to reward violence.
“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,” he argued. “Instead, justice is being delayed, and our security forces are being demoralized.”
Atiku urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritise terrorism cases, warning that Nigeria’s porous borders have allowed criminal groups to cross in and out of the country freely.
“This is a national disgrace and further proof of a failed security framework,” he added.
According to him, mere condemnations after deadly attacks are no longer enough, stressing the need for proactive policies.
“Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions,” he said.
He further urged the National Assembly to urgently pass laws enabling state governments to arm and modernise their local security outfits, arguing this would strengthen the overstretched federal forces.
Atiku also appealed to communities to avoid shielding terrorists and instead support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing. “Security is a shared responsibility,” he said.
While commending the bravery of security forces, he stressed they needed more than words—they needed government backing and proper resources.
“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,” Atiku noted.
He concluded by offering condolences to the victims’ families: “May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future.”