Atiku criticises government’s response as “hollow rhetoric,” citing recent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna...

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfil his promise of preventing further bandit attacks across the country.

CBI News reports that Atiku’s remarks follow recent violent incidents reported in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.

In a post shared on his verified 𝕏 handle on Monday, the former vice president criticised the government’s response, urging Tinubu to move beyond what he described as “hollow rhetoric” and confront the security challenges decisively.

“I wish to remind President Bola Tinubu to keep to his words that ‘this (Angwan Rukuba attack) will not repeat itself.’ It does appear that those words are hollow because barely 72 hours, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives. The Commander-in-Chief should brace up to the challenges of governance,” he said.

He also expressed concern over reports from Nasarawa, where families were said to have fled their homes amid threats of attacks, as well as a fresh incident in Kaduna State.

“I am also concerned about what is going on in a Nasarawa community where families had fled on foot amid threats of attack. And as if those are not enough, there was a fresh attack in Kaduna State at the weekend,” he added.

Atiku emphasised that the foremost duty of any government is to safeguard lives and property while ensuring citizens’ welfare.

“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens. Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” he stated.

He extended condolences to victims of the attacks, saying his thoughts and prayers were with families who had lost loved ones.