Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the Federal Government over the worsening insecurity in the country, following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the killing of residents in Katsina State.
In a statement released through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed deep concern over the reported murder of one of the teachers kidnapped during the Ogbomoso incident, describing the situation as a clear sign of what he called a failure of leadership under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He lamented that repeated attacks on schools and communities across the country had become a disturbing pattern, arguing that the government’s response to such tragedies had been limited to routine statements of condemnation rather than decisive action.
According to him, Nigerians have grown tired of what he described as predictable presidential reactions that follow every violent incident, insisting that such statements no longer provide comfort to grieving families or frightened communities.
Atiku also accused the government of responding to killings with what he termed “recycled outrage,” arguing that insecurity had worsened to the point where criminal groups now operate freely and without fear of consequences.
He stated that the frequent abductions of schoolchildren, attacks on villages, and killings of innocent citizens reflect a breakdown of state authority, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly alarming.
The former vice president further questioned the effectiveness of the government’s security strategy, saying that a leadership that only reacts after attacks has already occurred cannot be considered effective.
He added that the Oyo abduction and killings in Katsina were not isolated events but part of a broader national security crisis affecting several regions of the country.
Atiku also expressed concern over the psychological impact of the insecurity on citizens, especially parents who now fear sending their children to school due to the rising wave of kidnappings.
He criticised what he described as the government’s repeated assurances of bringing perpetrators to justice, asking what comfort such promises offer to families already mourning lost loved ones.
Furthermore, he raised alarm over alleged attempts to restrict the circulation of graphic evidence of attacks, warning that suppressing information about such incidents would worsen public distrust in government.
According to him, any administration that prioritises controlling narratives over stopping violence has failed in its most basic responsibility of protecting lives.
Atiku concluded by calling for urgent action to rescue all abducted victims in Oyo State and other affected areas, while also urging a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture to address the growing wave of insecurity across the country.
