Atiku Blames Tinubu’s Administration for Plateau Killings

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the recent spike in deadly attacks across Plateau State, attributing the violence to the government’s incompetence and failure to protect lives.

In a statement posted to his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the killing of at least 47 persons in Zike community, Kwali district of Bassa Local Government Area.

“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State,” Atiku said. “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. 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 highlighted the rising tide of terrorism in Borno State, citing statements from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, which indicated growing losses in both lives and territory to insurgents. He criticized the federal government’s failure to bring terrorists and bandits to justice, noting that some suspects arrested as far back as 2016 have yet to be prosecuted.

“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,” Atiku stated.

The former vice president urged the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritize terrorism-related prosecutions and called for the creation of special courts to expedite such trials. He also condemned the failure to prevent cross-border incursions by armed groups, labeling it a “national disgrace.”

“The people cannot continue to pay the price for government failures. Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions.” He appealed to local communities to avoid collaborating with armed groups and instead support security agencies by sharing intelligence, describing security as “a shared responsibility.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

“We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future,” he added.