Atiku Abubakar’s Critique of Tinubu’s Security Policy and the Escalating Violence in North-Central Nigeria
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of neglecting the North-Central region and allowing it to descend into a vortex of violence and insecurity. Atiku’s critique centers on the alarming rise in killings across several states within the region, painting a grim picture of a government failing to fulfill its fundamental duty of protecting its citizens. He highlights the escalating insecurity in states like Kwara, Niger, Plateau, and Benue, where banditry, kidnappings, attacks on military bases, and massacres of innocent civilians have become tragically commonplace. Atiku argues that the federal government’s apparent inaction in the face of this escalating violence demonstrates a blatant disregard for the lives and safety of the people in the North-Central region.
Atiku’s condemnation extends beyond mere criticism of inaction. He points to a disturbing pattern of alleged political manipulation and the misuse of security forces. He accuses the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of prioritizing political battles over the security of the nation, alleging the party’s involvement in disrupting opposition political gatherings through the use of “thugs, infiltrators, and hired hooligans.” Furthermore, he claims that security forces have either failed to intervene in these incidents or, in some cases, have even blamed the victims, suggesting a troubling bias in their actions. The silence of the APC leadership in the face of these allegations, Atiku contends, is tantamount to complicity in the unfolding crisis.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by Atiku’s sobering statistics. He claims that by May 2023, over 10,000 lives had been lost in northern states, with Benue State tragically accounting for over half of those deaths. He warns that these mass killings have continued unabated on a weekly basis, further escalating the humanitarian crisis. This, he argues, constitutes a monumental failure of the government’s primary responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens. Atiku’s stark assessment underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective security strategy to address the escalating violence and restore peace to the troubled region.
Adding fuel to the fire, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has leveled explosive allegations against the Tinubu administration, claiming that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has been making payments to bandit groups under the guise of amnesty and incentives. El-Rufai argues that this policy, rather than pacifying these criminal elements, is actually exacerbating the insecurity by emboldening them and fueling further violence. The ONSA has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as false, baseless, and an insult to the security personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. The ONSA dismisses El-Rufai’s claims as politically motivated and unfounded, further complicating the already complex narrative surrounding the security challenges facing the nation.
Atiku’s accusations and El-Rufai’s allegations, while contested, highlight the growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the security crisis in the North-Central and other parts of the country. These criticisms come amidst increasing calls for a more robust and effective security strategy to address the escalating violence, protect vulnerable communities, and restore peace and stability to the affected regions. The accusations and counter-accusations underscore the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and a unified approach to tackling the complex security challenges that threaten the nation’s stability.
The escalating violence and the conflicting narratives surrounding the government’s response have created a climate of fear and uncertainty in the affected regions. The accusations of political manipulation, the alleged complicity of security forces, and the claims of payments to bandit groups further complicate the situation, making it increasingly difficult to discern the truth and identify effective solutions. The ongoing crisis demands a thorough investigation into the root causes of the violence, the role of various actors, and the effectiveness of current security policies. A comprehensive and transparent approach is crucial to addressing the underlying issues, restoring public trust, and ultimately, achieving lasting peace and security in the North-Central region and beyond.
