Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the recent wave of violent attacks across parts of the country, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Atiku expressed concern that the continued attacks contradict earlier assurances given by the President that such incidents would not happen again.
Nigeria has been facing ongoing security challenges for years, including attacks by armed groups, kidnappings, and communal violence. While different administrations have introduced measures to tackle insecurity, many communities still face threats, especially in parts of the North.
Atiku’s latest comments come after a series of recent attacks in states such as Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, which have left many people dead and others displaced.
Referring to the recent violence, Atiku reminded President Tinubu of his earlier promise following the Angwan Rukuba attack in Plateau State.
“I wish to remind President Bola Tinubu to keep to his words that this will not repeat itself,” he said.
The Angwan Rukuba attack had drawn national attention, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and calling for stronger action from the government.
Atiku argued that the recurrence of attacks within a short period raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s response.
According to him, another attack occurred in Benue State just days after the President’s assurance, leading to the death of more than a dozen people.
“It does appear that those words are hollow because barely 72 hours later, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives,” he said.
He added that the situation requires more than statements and promises, urging the President to take practical steps to improve security across the country.
“The Commander-in-Chief should brace up to the challenges of governance,” he said.
The former vice president also raised concerns about developments in Nasarawa State, where residents of a community reportedly fled their homes due to fear of impending attacks.
According to him, families were forced to leave on foot, highlighting the level of fear and uncertainty faced by people in affected areas.
“I am also concerned about what is going on in a Nasarawa community where families had fled on foot amid threats of attack,” he said.
In addition, Atiku pointed to another incident in Kaduna State, describing it as part of a growing pattern of insecurity.
“And as if those are not enough, there was a fresh attack in Kaduna State at the weekend,” he added.
These incidents, he said, show that insecurity remains a serious issue that requires immediate and sustained attention.
Atiku highlighted that the protection of lives and property is the most important responsibility of any government.
“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens,” he said.
This view is widely shared among Nigerians, as security is often seen as the foundation for development and economic growth. Without safety, communities struggle to carry out normal activities such as farming, trading, and schooling.
Over the years, insecurity has affected many parts of Nigeria, leading to displacement of people, loss of livelihoods, and increased pressure on security agencies.
In his message, Atiku called on President Tinubu to move beyond what he described as “hollow rhetoric” and take concrete steps to address the situation.
“Enough of this hollow rhetoric, Mr President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” he said.
His statement reflects a broader sentiment among some Nigerians who believe that stronger and more visible action is needed to tackle insecurity.
Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, where he ran against Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Tinubu won the election and assumed office as President, political rivalry between the two leaders has continued, with Atiku frequently commenting on government policies and performance.
Such criticism is a common feature of democratic systems, where opposition figures hold the government accountable and raise concerns about national issues.
However, issues of security often go beyond politics, as they affect citizens across party lines.
Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu has pledged to improve security across the country. His administration has continued military operations against armed groups and has worked to strengthen coordination among security agencies.
Officials have also highlighted the need for community involvement, urging citizens to provide information that can help prevent attacks.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, as attacks continue to occur in some regions.
The recent attacks have had serious effects on communities in the affected states. Families have lost loved ones, while others have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
In rural areas, where many people depend on farming, insecurity can disrupt planting and harvesting, leading to food shortages and economic hardship.
For children, displacement often means interruption of education, while healthcare services may also become difficult to access.
These challenges highlight the need for urgent action to restore peace and stability.
Atiku also used his statement to express sympathy for the victims of the attacks and their families.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who may have lost a dear one in these attacks,” he said.
Such messages are common in times of crisis, as leaders seek to show support for affected communities.
As Nigeria continues to deal with security challenges, the call for stronger action is likely to remain a key issue in national discussions.
Atiku’s remarks add to the growing pressure on the Federal Government to deliver results in improving safety across the country.
For many Nigerians, the expectation is clear: beyond promises and statements, there must be visible progress in protecting lives and property.