The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the killing of 32 Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stop the recurring attacks across the country.
Atiku, who expressed grief over the incident, said the loss of lives was another reminder of the worsening security challenges facing many Nigerian communities.
The former vice-president made his position known in a post on his official X handle on Monday, August 17, 2026, where he condoled with the families of the victims and the people of Sokoto State.
“I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State,” Atiku wrote.
He, however, said expressing condolences to bereaved families was no longer enough, insisting that the government must take stronger action to protect citizens.
“But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?” he asked.
Atiku urged the Federal Government to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen the security of vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted.
He argued that protecting citizens was the primary responsibility of government and said Nigerians should not continue to lose their lives while security agencies struggle to prevent repeated attacks.
“The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses,” he said.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Sokoto State and the wider North-West region, where communities have faced attacks by armed groups, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.
Rural communities are particularly vulnerable because of their distance from major towns and security formations. In many cases, residents depend on local security arrangements and vigilantes for protection when attacks occur.
The killing in Ungushi also adds to the long list of violent incidents that have caused deaths and displacement in parts of the country.
Sokoto and neighbouring states have experienced repeated attacks by armed groups operating in remote communities and forests. The violence has affected farming activities, disrupted local economies and forced many residents to abandon their homes.
The security crisis has also raised concerns about food production because many farmers are often afraid to return to their farms after attacks.
For communities already struggling with economic hardship, the loss of family members and destruction of property can create additional pressure.
Atiku’s comments also reflect the growing political debate over the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity.
Opposition politicians and other critics of the administration have repeatedly called for stronger action against armed groups and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
The government, on the other hand, has continued to maintain that security agencies are making efforts to confront terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.
Security agencies have in recent years intensified military operations in several parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, targeting criminal camps and attempting to rescue kidnapped victims.
However, the continued attacks have raised questions about the effectiveness of existing measures and the need for better intelligence, stronger community security and improved coordination among security agencies.
Atiku’s call for better intelligence reflects one of the major challenges confronting security forces.
Security experts have often stressed that intelligence is critical to preventing attacks because early information about the movement and plans of armed groups can allow security agencies to deploy personnel before an attack occurs.
They have also called for closer cooperation between security agencies and local communities, saying residents are often in the best position to provide information about suspicious movements in their areas.
However, such cooperation can be difficult where residents fear reprisals from armed groups.
The government is also under pressure to ensure that communities affected by violence receive adequate protection after attacks.
Security presence in vulnerable areas is considered important not only to prevent further attacks but also to give displaced residents confidence to return home.
The prosecution of suspected attackers is another major issue raised by Atiku.
Where perpetrators are arrested, victims and affected communities often expect investigations to lead to prosecution and punishment.
Failure to bring suspects to justice can deepen feelings of insecurity and encourage communities to seek alternative forms of protection or retaliation.
Such a situation could further worsen tensions and create a cycle of violence.
The Sokoto incident also highlights the wider challenge of protecting rural communities across Nigeria.
While major cities often have larger security deployments, remote communities can be left exposed because of difficult terrain, limited roads and inadequate security infrastructure.
This has made it necessary for security authorities to consider measures that can provide faster responses to attacks in isolated areas.
Atiku’s statement is likely to increase pressure on the Federal Government to demonstrate that it is taking the security situation seriously.
The former vice-president’s question — “How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered?” — reflects the frustration of many citizens who have lost relatives and livelihoods to violence.
For the families of those killed in Ungushi, however, the immediate concern remains the loss of their loved ones and the need for justice.
The government is expected to strengthen security operations in the affected area, investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and work with local leaders to prevent further violence.
Atiku’s appeal also highlights the need for a coordinated approach involving security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers and local communities.
Beyond military operations, sustained efforts to improve intelligence, secure rural communities and address the conditions that allow armed groups to operate will remain important in reducing violence.