Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following a renewed wave of deadly attacks in Plateau and Borno States, accusing the government of failing Nigerians on national security.
Atiku’s comments come in the wake of Sunday’s massacre in Zike community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where no fewer than 47 people were brutally killed — just over a week after a similar mass killing in Bokkos LGA. In Borno State, fresh reports indicate Boko Haram insurgents have resumed violent incursions, leading to the loss of lives and territories.
Describing the developments as “disgraceful incidents,” Atiku, in a statement released through his media aide Paul Ibe, said the attacks reflect a total breakdown of President Tinubu’s security policy and infrastructure.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be worried about the frequency and impunity with which terrorists and bandits attack innocent people — especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of terrorist violence,” Atiku said.
He further pointed to systemic failures in Nigeria’s justice and prosecutorial processes, arguing that the government’s delay in trying arrested terrorists and bandits since 2016 has only emboldened violent actors.
“If the government had applied the same energy in prosecuting terrorists as it does political critics, a strong message would have been sent that mass murder comes with consequences,” he said pointedly.
Atiku advocated for the creation of special terrorism courts to fast-track trials and deliver swift justice, lamenting the slow pace of the criminal justice system which he believes undermines both security personnel and public confidence.
“Hundreds of terrorists and bandits remain in custody without trial. This inaction demoralizes our forces and gives criminals the impression that crime pays.”
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s porous borders, accusing the government of negligence in allowing cross-border infiltration by armed groups.
While federal authorities have issued condemnations following each attack, Atiku insisted that words are not enough. He called on the administration to implement “tougher and proactive measures” that move beyond rhetoric and directly address the root of the insecurity crisis.
“As long as terrorists continue to operate without meaningful consequences, they will return — again and again — to slaughter innocent people.”
The Waziri of Adamawa’s statement has intensified the national conversation around accountability, leadership, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current security architecture. With violence surging across northern states and public outrage mounting, all eyes are now on the presidency for its next move.
