By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the gruesome massacre of innocent men, women and children in Southern Kaduna.
Atiku described the latest killings as yet another tragic reminder of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s failure to discharge the first and most sacred responsibility of government—the protection of lives and property.
The reported killing of scores of innocent Nigerians in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, he said, is heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to him, “Every life lost is a painful indictment of a government that has repeatedly promised security but continues to preside over an expanding landscape of bloodshed.
‘No nation can claim progress when its citizens are hunted down in their homes and communities by criminals who operate with such frightening impunity.
“It is deeply troubling that while Nigerians mourn yet another massacre, senior officials of this administration have been busy criss-crossing television studios and social media platforms brandishing what they describe as an unverified claim of a letter of commendation from the United States Government.
“Ironically, the same United States whose supposed commendation has become the centrepiece of this administration’s public relations campaign recently demonstrated what responsible governments do when the life of even one citizen is at stake.
“The Trump administration reportedly committed approximately $750,000 to evacuate a single American citizen stranded on a remote Pacific island following a potential exposure to hantavirus.
“That is the difference between governments that regard every citizen’s life as sacred and those that appear more concerned about international applause than the security of their own people.
“The people of Southern Kaduna—and indeed all Nigerians—do not need letters of praise from foreign capitals. They need security. They need to sleep without fear, travel without anxiety, cultivate their farms in peace and raise their children without the constant threat of terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals.
“Governance is not a public relations exercise. It is not measured by diplomatic soundbites or purported commendations. It is measured by the safety of the people and by a government’s ability to protect its citizens from harm.
“Until that constitutional obligation is fulfilled, every celebration of external praise rings hollow”, he said.
The former Vice President, in a statement by Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to him, argued that the latest massacre underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Nigerians, he said, deserve more than routine condemnations after every attack, adding, “They deserve intelligence-driven security operations, swift justice for perpetrators and proactive measures that prevent these recurring tragedies”.
Atiku however extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Southern Kaduna, saying, “I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.
“It is my sincere hope that this horrific massacre was not politically motivated.
“However, as the nation gradually approaches another political season, the security agencies must not only identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for this heinous crime, but must also take anticipatory and pre-emptive measures to strengthen security around vulnerable communities that could become targets of similar attacks.
“The protection of innocent lives must never be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
“History will not remember how many letters of commendation a government claimed to have received. It will remember whether it protected its people when they needed protection the most.
“Today, the blood of innocent Nigerians speaks far louder than any unverified claim of international praise”, the former Vice President said.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
