Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong condemnation of recent attacks across Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kebbi states, calling for a security approach that places the sanctity of human life above all other considerations.
The Guardian reports that the former vice president’s remarks come amidst reports of significant casualties from various acts of violence in these regions.
Atiku expressed his dismay via his social media handle on Saturday, noting that the “heartbreaking reports from Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kebbi, where over 50 lives were lost in violent attacks and explosions, are a devastating blow to our collective conscience as a nation.”
He extended his condolences, stating, “My deepest sympathies go to the bereaved families and the affected communities. These tragedies are not mere statistics; they are real stories of shattered families and stolen dreams. We cannot continue to normalise this scale of bloodshed.”
Recent incidents underscore the former Vice President’s concerns. In Plateau State, at least 12 wedding guests were killed in an attack in Mangu Local Government Area on June 20, with separate reports indicating 15 deaths from renewed assaults in Mangu and Bokkos. Kano State experienced a bomb explosion that reportedly claimed at least five lives.
In Kebbi State, a bandit attack led to 30 confirmed fatalities. Borno State has also been affected by a female suicide bomber incident that killed 24 citizens, following an earlier attack on June 5 which claimed the life of a staff member of the Justice Development and Peace Commission.
Atiku voiced his concern regarding what he described as a continued silence and indifference from authorities in the face of the “brutal and heart-wrenching reality” in Benue and other parts of the country grappling with violent attacks. He urged leaders at all levels to prioritize human lives over political considerations, asserting that history would not be favorable to those who “chose power over people.”
Atiku’s remarks follow a pattern of criticism against the federal government’s handling of insecurity. In April 2025, he accused the Tinubu administration of a “total collapse of security architecture” after attacks in Plateau and Borno.
His latest statement aligns with calls from local leaders, including Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, who warned in April 2025 of a potential Boko Haram comeback, as reported by the BBC.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Amnesty International have also noted the humanitarian toll of the violence, with the latter seeking justice for victims of recent attacks in Plateau.
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