Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following fresh deadly attacks on rural communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
Reacting in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku declared that the latest massacre of scores of innocent residents represents a “damning verdict” on the federal government’s handling of national security.
Key Points from Atiku’s Statement
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Constitutional Failure: Atiku asserted that no government can lay claim to progress while citizens are slaughtered in their homes by armed criminals operating with impunity.
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Criticism of PR Focus: He faulted administration officials for prioritising public diplomacy and media appearances over the safety of citizens, citing recent efforts by senior officials to publicise an unverified US commendation letter while local massacres continue unchecked.
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Call for Security Overhaul: The former Vice President demanded an immediate overhaul of security architecture to ensure communities in Southern Kaduna can farm and live without fear of banditry.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ATIKU'S KADUNA KILLINGS STATEMENT │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Flashpoint Location : Kauru LGA, Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State │
│ │
│ • Primary Allegation : Failure of the FG to guarantee constitutional │
│ protection of lives and property. │
│ │
│ • Key Grievance : Over-reliance on post-tragedy press releases │
│ and international PR over tactical security. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Media Directorate of Atiku Abubakar & National Security Briefings)
“Governance Over Public Relations”
Directly challenging the Presidency, Atiku emphasised that governance must be measured by tangible security outcomes rather than diplomatic soundbites:
“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 people of Southern Kaduna and all Nigerians do not need letters of praise from foreign capitals; they need security.” — Atiku Abubakar
The attack comes amid heightened security operations across Kaduna and neighboring North-Central corridors, where joint military detachments continue patrols to track down armed bands operating within forest borders.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
