Atiku accuses Tinubu of failing to protect Nigerians amid worsening insecurity

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to protect Nigerians amid rising insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication of the ADC presidential campaign council, Atiku said the killing of 640 people in October and the displacement of nearly 64,000 Nigerians to Niger Republic underscored the severity of the security crisis.

The former vice-president described the figures as “a devastating indictment of the security situation” and called on the federal government to take responsibility for the worsening violence.

A report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), citing the Centre for Democracy and Development’s October tracker, said 640 people were killed in insecurity-related incidents during the month.

According to the report, the north-east accounted for 409 deaths, while the tracker recorded 640 fatalities across all security incidents, up from 396 in September.

In a separate report, the United Nations said nearly 64,000 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria to Niger Republic since the beginning of 2026, while several hundred others had crossed into Benin.

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

“Behind every number is a Nigerian whose life has been lost, a family in mourning or a community forced to abandon its home. Nigerians should not have to flee across our borders to find safety.”

The ADC presidential candidate urged the Tinubu administration to strengthen security in affected areas, support displaced families and collaborate with neighbouring countries and humanitarian agencies to assist those who had fled.

“The Tinubu administration must make the protection of lives and communities its first responsibility,” he said.

“It must strengthen security in affected areas, support displaced families and work with neighbouring countries and humanitarian agencies to assist those who have fled. Nigerians also deserve a clear account of what is being done to stop the killings and restore safety.”

Atiku said the government must stop making excuses and take responsibility for the worsening security situation.

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

“President Tinubu must stop offering excuses and take responsibility for this worsening crisis. Nigerians need safety now, not another promise.”