Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the latest deadly attacks in Southern Kaduna, accusing the government of failing to protect citizens amid rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned the killings in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the reported deaths of scores of residents as a damning reflection of the government’s inability to address the country’s security challenges. He said the continued attacks exposed serious failures in protecting communities and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
In a statement, the former Vice President described the killings as a painful reminder that the government had not fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
Atiku argued that no government could claim meaningful progress while citizens were being attacked and killed in their homes and communities by criminals who appear to operate without sufficient deterrence.
“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.”
Atiku Abubakar
The former Vice President accused the Tinubu administration of focusing on political messaging and international recognition while failing to address Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“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 Abubakar
According to Atiku, the priority of any responsible administration should be ensuring that citizens can live safely rather than seeking diplomatic approval while communities remain under attack.
“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.”
Atiku Abubakar
The comments come amid growing concerns over insecurity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with political leaders and civil society organisations calling for stronger measures to prevent attacks and protect communities.
Atiku Calls for Security Overhaul After Southern Kaduna Attack
The former Vice President added tha the government’s response to insecurity should not be limited to issuing statements after attacks occur, but should involve long-term reforms aimed at preventing violence before it happens.
Atiku called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger coordination among security agencies and faster prosecution of individuals responsible for violent crimes.
“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 Abubakar
Atiku also expressed sympathy for families affected by the attacks and residents of Southern Kaduna, while urging security agencies to remain alert as political activities gradually increase ahead of the next election cycle.
He warned that vulnerable communities could become targets of politically motivated violence if authorities fail to strengthen security arrangements.
The criticism from Atiku adds to pressure on the federal government over its handling of insecurity, one of the major issues shaping public opinion in Nigeria.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly pledged to improve security nationwide, with officials highlighting ongoing military operations and efforts to strengthen intelligence-based responses against armed groups.
However, opposition figures have continued to argue that the scale and frequency of attacks demonstrate the need for a different approach.
For communities in Southern Kaduna, the latest violence has once again highlighted concerns over protection, justice and accountability.
“History will not remember how many letters of commendation a government claimed to have received. It will remember whether it protected its people when they needed protection the most. Today, the blood of innocent Nigerians speaks far louder than any unverified claim of international praise.”
Atiku Abubakar
As Nigerians continue to call for more protection for vulnerable populations and tougher action against armed groups, the renewed criticism is likely to keep security at the forefront of the country’s political conversation.
The government’s capacity to show quantifiable gains in national security may play a significant role in determining public trust and political support as the 2027 elections draw near.
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