Atiku: Killings in Plateau, Borno show total collapse of security architecture under Tinubu

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the killings in some section of the country demonstrate the “total collapse” of the security architecture under President Bola Tinubu.

Abubakar’s statement comes in the wake of recent fatal attacks in Zike community, Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, where at least 47 people were killed.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has also voiced his concerns about the spate of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar condemned the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau and Borno, attributing the insecurity to the “incompetence” of the current administration.

“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,” he wrote on X.

“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.”

Abubakar urged Lateef Fagbemi, attorney general of the federation, to prioritise the prosecution of those responsible for these attacks and establish special courts to expedite their trials.

He raised concerns about armed criminal groups crossing Nigeria’s borders to carry out attacks, describing it as a “national disgrace”.

“The attorney general of the federation must prioritise 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,” he said.

“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.”