Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has decried the brutal attacks in Plateau State that claimed the lives of dozens, describing them as a glaring sign of failure in President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy.
Atiku was reacting to the massacre in Zike, Bassa Local Government Area, where 47 people were killed.
AFRIPOST had reported that the incident occurred in the Kimakpa area of the Kwali district, barely days after a separate deadly attack struck Bokkos LGA.
Through a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former vice president accused the Tinubu administration of failing in its primary duty to protect citizens.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be worried about the frequency and impunity with which terrorists and bandits attack innocent people in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of terrorist violence in the country,” he remarked.
He called out the federal government for its slow response to the recurring violence in Plateau and Borno states, demanding urgent steps to halt the carnage.
Atiku described the country’s current security posture as “disgraceful” and said it poses a major threat to national stability.
The PDP chieftain also criticized the government’s inability to prosecute apprehended terrorists and bandits swiftly. He argued that such inaction has emboldened them.
“If the government had applied the same energy in the prosecution of terrorists and bandits as it did in the trial of political critics, it would have gone a long way to send a powerful message to the outlaws that there are consequences for mass murder,” Atiku said.
He urged the Attorney General to prioritize their prosecution and suggested the creation of special courts to ensure speedy trials.
“At least hundreds of terrorists and bandits have been in custody since 2016 without trial, and the delay in bringing them to justice is demoralizing to our security forces.
“If terrorists and bandits are captured and left in custody for too long without trial, it undermines the efforts and sacrifices of our security forces,” he added.
Atiku further expressed alarm over porous borders that allow armed groups to move freely and strike at will.
He emphasized that words alone are insufficient to tackle terrorism.
“What is needed are prompt and proactive measures to forestall further attacks and loss of innocent lives,” he said.
He concluded by warning that unless swift justice is served, these criminal elements will keep attacking communities without consequence.
