Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal Government over the latest killings in Southern Kaduna, saying the attack reflects what he described as the inability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
Reacting to reports that dozens of residents were killed in renewed attacks on communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Atiku said the tragedy further highlights the country’s deepening security challenges.
He argued that no administration can be considered successful while innocent citizens continue to lose their lives to armed attacks in their homes and communities.
“The reported killing of scores of innocent Nigerians in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Every life lost is a painful indictment of a government that has repeatedly promised security but continues to preside over an expanding landscape of bloodshed,” he said.
Atiku also criticised the Tinubu administration, accusing it of focusing on what he described as an unverified letter of commendation from the United States instead of addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
“It is deeply troubling that while Nigerians mourn yet another massacre, senior officials of this administration have been busy criss-crossing television studios and social media platforms brandishing what they describe as an unverified claim of a letter of commendation from the United States Government,” Atiku stated.
According to the former vice president, Nigerians are more concerned about their safety and security than international recognition.
“The people of Southern Kaduna—and indeed all Nigerians—do not need letters of praise from foreign capitals. They need security. They need to sleep without fear, travel without anxiety, cultivate their farms in peace and raise their children without the constant threat of terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals.”
He stressed that the true measure of any government lies in its ability to protect lives and property.
“Governance is not a public relations exercise. It is measured by the safety of the people and by a government’s ability to protect its citizens from harm. Until that constitutional obligation is fulfilled, every celebration of external praise rings hollow.”
Atiku called on the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, insisting that routine condemnations after attacks are no longer sufficient. He urged authorities to prioritise intelligence-driven operations, ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for violent crimes, and adopt proactive strategies to prevent future attacks on vulnerable communities.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged security agencies to remain vigilant as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.
“It is my sincere hope that this horrific massacre was not politically motivated. However, as the nation gradually approaches another political season, the security agencies must not only identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for this heinous crime, but must also take anticipatory and pre-emptive measures to strengthen security around vulnerable communities that could become targets of similar attacks,” he added.
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