The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent killings in Southern Kaduna, describing the attack as another tragic sign of the Federal Government’s failure to adequately protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President described the massacre in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to Atiku, the loss of lives reflects what he described as the inability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to effectively tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
“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,” the statement read.
Atiku Criticises Government’s Priorities
Atiku also criticised senior government officials, accusing them of focusing on what he described as unverified international commendations instead of addressing Nigeria’s security crisis.
He said it was disturbing that while Nigerians were mourning another deadly attack, government officials were celebrating reports of a supposed letter of commendation from the United States Government.
Drawing a comparison, Atiku pointed to the US government’s reported decision to spend about $750,000 to rescue an American citizen stranded on a remote Pacific island after possible exposure to hantavirus.
According to him, the action demonstrated the difference between governments that place a high value on the lives of their citizens and those more concerned with international recognition.
He stressed that Nigerians were not looking for praise from foreign countries but wanted a government capable of guaranteeing their safety.
“The people of Southern Kaduna and 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,” the statement said.
Calls for Security Reforms
The former Vice President maintained that governance should be measured by the government’s ability to protect its citizens rather than public relations efforts.
He called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, urging authorities to adopt intelligence-driven operations, ensure swift prosecution of criminals and implement proactive measures to prevent future attacks.
According to Atiku, Nigerians deserve more than routine condemnations each time lives are lost.
Condolences to Victims
Atiku extended his condolences to the families of those killed and the people of Southern Kaduna, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls and the speedy recovery of those injured.
While expressing hope that the attack was not politically motivated, he urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
He also called for increased security around vulnerable communities, especially as political activities ahead of future elections continue.
“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,” the statement concluded.
