Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over the recurring killings of Nigerians, saying expressions of sympathy after deadly attacks are no longer sufficient to address the country’s security crisis.
Atiku made the remarks on Monday while reacting to the killing of 32 people in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The former vice president described the victims as innocent Nigerians and expressed sympathy to their families and the people of Sokoto State.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked Allah to grant their relatives the strength to bear the loss.
However, Atiku said the repeated occurrence of mass killings demanded urgent action from the government rather than another round of condolences.
“Condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?” he asked.
He described the recurrence of such attacks as frightening, warning that the government must not become comfortable with issuing statements whenever Nigerians are killed.
“These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre,” Atiku said.
The former vice president urged the Federal Government to immediately strengthen its security response by improving intelligence gathering, protecting communities considered vulnerable to attacks and ensuring that those responsible for the Sokoto killings are brought to justice.
He said the government’s response to insecurity must go beyond rhetoric and demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting citizens.
“The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Atiku maintained that the protection of lives remained the foremost responsibility of government, arguing that Nigerians should not continue to bury their loved ones while those responsible for their security offer explanations after attacks.
“The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses,” he said.
He prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and peace in Sokoto State and across the country.
