Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put the blame for the resurgence of violence which led to the killing of over 100 people in Plateau State to what he described as the incompetence of President Bola Tinubu.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who made the assertion in a statement he shared on his verified X handle on Tuesday evening, expressed his sadness over the recent killings in Zike community in the Kimakpa area of Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area on Monday.
In the statement, Atiku said the tragedy which came a few days after a similar attack in five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area is a “grim reminder of the worsening state of security in our country.”
“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 Kwall district, Bassa Local Government Area, where at least 47 innocent lives were lost on Monday,” the PDP chieftain said.
“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.
“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.
“I also condemn the escalating wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State, which, according to Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, has resulted in the loss of lives and territory to insurgents.
“These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be disturbed by how terrorists and bandits operate with impunity, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of this violence.
“The continued delay in prosecuting terrorists and bandits, some of whom have been in custody since 2016, has only emboldened these mass murderers.
“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.
“Instead, justice is being delayed, and our security forces are being demoralized.
“The Attorney General of the Federation must prioritize the prosecution of these criminals, and special courts should be established to fast-track their trials. Our justice system must not give the impression that terrorism pays.
“I am also alarmed by reports of armed criminal groups crossing our borders to carry out attacks. This is a national disgrace and further proof of a failed security framework.
“Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions. As long as these criminals face no real consequences, they will continue to return to inflict more pain on innocent people.
“I urge the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation that allows state governments to properly arm and equip their security outfits with modern weapons. This will strengthen our overall security architecture and help relieve the overstretched federal security agencies.
“At the same time, I must call on community members to reject collaboration with armed groups and instead support our security forces by sharing intelligence. Security is a shared responsibility.
“I commend the courage and sacrifices of our security forces. 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.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future,” Atiku concluded.
