Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State that resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people in Zike community, Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area.
The deadly attack, which occurred on Sunday, follows a similar assault in Bokkos Local Government Area earlier in the month, where many lives were lost and properties destroyed.
Atiku also expressed concern over the increasing terrorist activities in Borno State, highlighting the loss of lives and territories to Boko Haram insurgents, as reported by Governor Babagana Zulum and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.
In a statement, Atiku decried the “woeful failure” of the security infrastructure under President Tinubu’s administration.
He called for more proactive measures to combat the rising insecurity and termed these recent attacks as a direct challenge to national security.
“At this point, every sincere Nigerian should be alarmed at the frequency and impunity with which terrorists and bandits are targeting innocent citizens, particularly in Northern Nigeria,” said Atiku.
He added that the delay in prosecuting captured terrorists and bandits has only emboldened them, making the need for swift and effective legal action critical.
Atiku emphasized the importance of prioritizing the prosecution of terrorists and bandits, calling for the establishment of special courts to expedite trials and convictions.
He also criticized the slow pace of the country’s criminal justice system, which he said is demoralizing for security forces and encourages criminals to operate with a sense of impunity.
Furthermore, Atiku expressed frustration over the ease with which armed criminal groups cross borders to carry out their terrorist activities in Nigeria.
He stressed that while the government’s condemnation of attacks is insufficient, it is the implementation of prompt, decisive measures that is urgently needed to prevent further violence.
The former Vice President also suggested that the National Assembly introduce legislation allowing state governments to equip their security outfits with modern weapons to support the overstretched national security forces.
He also highlighted the role of communities in providing intelligence to security agencies about terrorist and bandit activities within their areas.
Atiku concluded by praising the security forces for their sacrifices in counter-terrorism efforts but emphasized that public support is crucial to achieving success in the fight against these criminal groups.
