Atiku Slams FG Over Kaduna Killings, Demands Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria's Security Strategy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the killing of residents in Southern Kaduna, accusing the Federal Government of failing to protect lives and calling for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria's security architecture.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticised the Federal Government over the latest deadly attacks in Southern Kaduna, describing the killings as further evidence of the country's worsening security crisis.
Reacting to the attack on Naridon (Kizakoro) community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Atiku said the massacre of innocent citizens was a "damning verdict" on the Federal Government's handling of insecurity under President Bola Tinubu's administration. (Punch Newspapers)
The attack, which occurred late Sunday, reportedly claimed the lives of at least 29 residents, while several others sustained injuries and properties were destroyed. The incident has once again drawn national attention to the persistent insecurity in Southern Kaduna, a region that has experienced repeated attacks over the years. (The Sun Nigeria)
Atiku Condemns the Attack
In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the killings and extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Kaduna State.
He said the recurring violence demonstrated that the government had yet to provide effective protection for citizens despite repeated assurances that insecurity was being addressed.
According to the former vice president, no nation can achieve meaningful development while communities continue to live under the constant threat of violent attacks.
Atiku argued that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, stressing that recent events in Southern Kaduna show that more decisive action is urgently needed.
Calls for Comprehensive Security Reform
Rather than relying solely on military responses after attacks occur, Atiku urged the Federal Government to adopt a more proactive and intelligence-driven security strategy.
He called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's security architecture, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies, enhanced community policing, and better protection for vulnerable rural communities.
According to him, security agencies must be empowered with adequate equipment, logistics, and intelligence capabilities to prevent attacks before they happen rather than responding after lives have already been lost.
Rising Concern Over Southern Kaduna
The latest attack has revived longstanding concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna, where communities have suffered repeated incidents involving armed bandits and other criminal groups over the past decade.
Residents have frequently complained of attacks on villages, destruction of farmland, kidnappings, and displacement of thousands of people.
Security experts say the region's challenges have been compounded by difficult terrain, communal tensions, and the activities of heavily armed criminal groups operating across parts of northwestern and north-central Nigeria. (Wikipedia)
Pressure Mounts on the Federal Government
The killings have intensified pressure on the Federal Government to demonstrate greater effectiveness in tackling insecurity nationwide.
Although the Tinubu administration has repeatedly pledged to restore peace across the country through military operations and security reforms, critics argue that attacks continue to occur in several states despite those efforts.
Atiku said Nigerians should not become accustomed to recurring reports of mass killings, insisting that every loss of life represents a failure of governance.
He urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for the Kaduna attack are identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
Community Left Devastated
Local reports indicate that the attackers stormed Naridon community late at night, opening fire on residents and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
Several injured victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities, while frightened residents fled to neighbouring communities for safety.
Community leaders have appealed for increased deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks and reassure displaced residents considering returning home. (The Sun Nigeria)
Renewed Debate on National Security
The Kaduna tragedy has once again reignited national debate over Nigeria's security strategy.
Analysts say recurring attacks across several states, including Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of the North-East, underscore the need for broader reforms beyond conventional military operations.
Security stakeholders have advocated increased investment in intelligence gathering, improved border surveillance, greater coordination among federal and state security agencies, and stronger engagement with local communities to detect threats early.
Many observers also believe addressing unemployment, poverty, and illegal arms proliferation will remain critical to achieving long-term peace.
Government Yet to Respond to Atiku's Remarks
As of Monday evening, the Presidency had not officially responded to Atiku's criticism.
However, federal authorities have consistently maintained that significant progress has been made in degrading criminal networks and improving national security through ongoing military operations.
Security agencies are expected to continue investigations into the Kaduna attack while efforts intensify to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Looking Ahead
The latest violence in Southern Kaduna serves as another reminder of the complex security challenges confronting Nigeria.
For grieving families, the immediate concern is justice for victims and protection from future attacks.
For policymakers, the tragedy renews calls for more effective security policies capable of preventing further bloodshed.
As public concern over insecurity continues to grow, the Federal Government faces increasing pressure to demonstrate that its security strategy can deliver lasting peace and restore public confidence in the nation's ability to protect its citizens.