Insecurity: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Failing to Protect Nigerians

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to adequately protect Nigerians amid worsening insecurity across the country.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

He cited figures indicating that 640 people were killed in insecurity-related incidents across Nigeria in October, while nearly 64,000 Nigerians reportedly fled violence in northern communities to neighbouring Niger Republic.

The figures were drawn from security monitoring reports, including the Centre for Democracy and Development’s October security tracker and information from the United Nations on cross-border displacement.

According to Atiku, the reported deaths and displacement demonstrate the scale of the country’s security challenges and the urgent need for stronger government intervention.

“These figures are a devastating indictment of the security situation in our country,” he said.

The former Vice-President argued that Nigerians should not be forced to abandon their communities and cross international borders in search of safety.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security deployments in affected areas, provide assistance to displaced families and work more closely with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations.

Atiku also demanded greater transparency from the administration, saying Nigerians deserved a clear explanation of the measures being implemented to stop attacks and restore security.

He maintained that protecting lives and communities should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

“A government that cannot protect its people has failed in its most basic duty,” Atiku said.

He further urged Tinubu to take responsibility for the security situation rather than continue offering explanations, insisting that affected communities needed practical measures to address the violence.

The statement comes amid renewed public concern over attacks, killings and displacement in different parts of the country.

The Federal Government has continued to face pressure to strengthen security operations and improve the protection of vulnerable communities.