By Lanre Oloyede
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a failure to tackle insecurity, following the killing of at least 47 persons in Zike community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 15, Abubakar expressed deep sadness over the renewed attacks, stating that the resurgence of violence in Bassa, days after a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA, was proof of the federal government’s incompetence.
Abubakar, who described the development as “unacceptable,” said the attack is a grim reminder of the worsening state of security in our country.
“It is regrettable and entirely unacceptable that these Nigerians had to lose their lives as a result of the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration. The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government. Unfortunately, President Tinubu has failed these citizens and continues to fail them,” Abubakar said.
He also condemned, “The escalating wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State, which, according to Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, has resulted in the loss of lives and territory to insurgents. These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture.”
He criticised the prolonged detention of terror suspects without trial, suggesting that such delays embolden criminal elements.
Abubakar called on the Attorney General of the Federation to prioritise the prosecution of terror suspects and urged the creation of special courts to accelerate trials.
He also warned against the increasing cross-border attacks by armed groups, calling it a “national disgrace” and further evidence of a failed security framework.
“Every sincere Nigerian should be disturbed by how terrorists and bandits operate with impunity, especially in Northern Nigeria, which has become the epicentre of this violence. The continued delay in prosecuting terrorists and bandits, some of whom have been in custody since 2016, has only emboldened these mass murderers.
“If the same level of urgency and energy were devoted to the prosecution of terrorists as we have seen applied to the trials of political critics, we would have sent a clear and forceful message that crime has consequences. Instead, justice is being delayed, and our security forces are being demoralised.
