Atiku Demands Accountability Amid Fresh Insecurity Wave
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a sharp rebuke to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to tackle Nigeria's escalating insecurity crisis with immediate and decisive action. Atiku's call comes in the wake of a disturbing surge in deadly attacks across several states, which he argues directly contradicts a solemn promise made by President Tinubu just days prior.
Presidential Pledge Undermined by Renewed Violence
The crux of Atiku's criticism centers on President Tinubu's pledge made during a compassionate visit to the grieving families of victims from the Angwan Rukuba attack in Jos, Plateau State. At the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, President Tinubu had offered a poignant assurance, stating, “To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself.”
However, this promise appears to have been swiftly undermined. Less than 48 hours after the President's pronouncement, new waves of violence erupted, claiming more lives and displacing communities.
A Spreading Scourge: States Under Siege
The fresh attacks, according to reports and Atiku’s statement, have not been confined to a single region but have spread alarmingly, painting a grim picture of nationwide insecurity. Affected states include:
- Plateau
- Kaduna
- Katsina
- Benue
- Nasarawa
Atiku specifically highlighted a devastating attack in Benue State that claimed over a dozen lives, occurring barely 72 hours after Tinubu's promise. He also referenced the alarming situation in a Nasarawa community, where families have reportedly fled amidst threats, and a recent attack in Kaduna State over the weekend.
Atiku's Stern Message: "Enough of Hollow Rhetoric"
Reacting through his official social media channels, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, minced no words in his demand for presidential accountability. He urged President Tinubu to "roll up his sleeves and get to work," stressing the fundamental duty of government.
“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. The Commander-in-Chief should brace up to the challenges of governance.”
“I am also concerned, like all well-meaning Nigerians about what is going on in a Nasarawa community where families had fled on foot amid threats of attack. 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. Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work.”
The former Vice President concluded by extending his thoughts and prayers to all families who have lost loved ones in the recent, tragic attacks, reinforcing the human toll of the ongoing security challenges.