Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the latest killings in Southern Kaduna, describing the attack in Kauru Local Government Area as further evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis and a failure of government to protect its citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku reacted to reports that scores of residents were killed in fresh attacks on communities in Southern Kaduna, saying the incident underscored what he called the Federal Government’s inability to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
“The reported killing of scores of innocent Nigerians in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State is heartbreaking and unacceptable. 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 former vice president said.
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Atiku argued that no government could claim meaningful progress while communities across the country continued to suffer deadly attacks from armed groups operating with apparent impunity.
He also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as its emphasis on promoting an unverified claim of receiving a letter of commendation from the United States government instead of addressing Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“It is deeply troubling that while Nigerians mourn yet another massacre, senior officials of this administration have been busy criss-crossing television studios and social media platforms brandishing what they describe as an unverified claim of a letter of commendation from the United States Government,” he said.
According to Atiku, the primary responsibility of any government is to guarantee the safety of its citizens rather than seek international recognition.
“The people of Southern Kaduna—and indeed 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,” he added.
The former presidential candidate maintained that governance should be judged by the protection of lives and property rather than public relations campaigns or diplomatic endorsements.
Calling for decisive action, Atiku urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying repeated condemnations after attacks were no longer sufficient.
He advocated intelligence-driven security operations, improved coordination among security agencies, swift prosecution of perpetrators and preventive measures to stop future attacks on vulnerable communities.
While extending condolences to the families of those killed and residents of Southern Kaduna, Atiku also urged security agencies to remain vigilant as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He said history would ultimately judge governments by their ability to protect citizens rather than by diplomatic recognition or public relations efforts.
