Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over renewed attacks in parts of the country, describing the Federal Government’s response as inadequate and urging immediate action to stem the violence.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Atiku expressed concern over what he called a disturbing pattern of insecurity, citing recent attacks in Benue State, Kaduna State and a community in Nasarawa State.
He specifically referenced an earlier assurance by President Tinubu following the Angwan Rukuba incident, warning that the President’s promise that such an attack “will not repeat itself” now appears unfulfilled.
According to the former Vice President, “barely 72 hours” after that assurance, another deadly attack occurred in Benue State, reportedly claiming over a dozen lives.
Atiku also raised alarm over developments in Nasarawa, where he said families were forced to flee their homes on foot amid threats of further violence, as well as fresh attacks recorded in Kaduna State over the weekend.
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“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens,” he stated, adding that the current situation demands more decisive leadership.
He urged the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to “brace up to the challenges of governance,” stressing that it was time to move beyond “hollow rhetoric” and take concrete steps to address the nation’s security crisis.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, also extended his condolences to victims of the attacks, noting that his thoughts and prayers are with families who have lost loved ones.
The statement adds to growing public concern over persistent insecurity in several regions of the country, with calls mounting for stronger and more coordinated security measures by the Federal Government.