- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted President Bola Tinubu, over the recent attack at Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state which left over 47 persons dead.
NPO Reported that unknown gunmen had, on Sunday, laid siege on the community barely two weeks after similar attacks across Bokko LGA where over 40 people were killed.
Reacting to the massacre in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Atiku decried the resurgence of the violent attacks in Plateau state.
While condemning the attacks, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential candidate blamed the attack on the worsening state of security in the country which he claimed was caused by the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration.
Atiku also condemned the escalating wave of terrorists’ attack in Borno state as well as the spate of banditry across the northern region.
While describing the social vices as clear indications of the collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture, the ex-Vice President charged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to hasten the prosecution of arrested terrorists and bandits.
He said the same level of urgency and energy applied to the trials of political critics should be devoted to the prosecution of terrorists.
“I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State, particularly the recent killings in Zike community in the Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa Local Government Area, where at least 47 innocent lives were lost on Sunday.
“This tragedy, coming just days after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA, 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.
“I also condemn 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. 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 demoralized.
“The Attorney General of the Federation must prioritize the prosecution of these criminals, and special courts should be established to fast-track their trials.” Atiku wrote.
He further decried influx of foreign criminal groups into the country while calling for proactive and preventive actions.
Atiku also urged the National Assembly to pass legislation that will enable the state governments to arm and equip their security outfit.
The former Vice President lastly called on community members to reject collaboration with armed groups and instead support our security forces by sharing intelligence.
“Our justice system must not give the impression that terrorism pays. I am also alarmed by reports of armed criminal groups crossing our borders to carry out attacks. This is a national disgrace and further proof of a failed security framework. Condemnation after the fact is not enough.
“What is needed are proactive, preventive actions. As long as these criminals face no real consequences, they will continue to return to inflict more pain on innocent people.
“I urge the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation that allows state governments to properly arm and equip their security outfits with modern weapons. This will strengthen our overall security architecture and help relieve the overstretched federal security agencies.
“At the same time, I must call on community members to reject collaboration with armed groups and instead support our security forces by sharing intelligence. Security is a shared responsibility. I commend the courage and sacrifices of our security forces.
“Their efforts remain invaluable, but they need the full support of the people and a government that prioritizes security, not just with words but with decisive action. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future.” He added.