Amid rising attacks in Kaduna and Nigeria at large, former Vice President and ADC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has warned that bandits are growing increasingly bold, targeting communities without fear of consequences.
Atiku’s comments came after the recent abduction of over 177 worshippers from ECWA Church and two Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The attack occurred just a week after the community paid N2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents previously kidnapped.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed alarm that despite peace deals claimed by some state governments, bandits continue to raid communities and take hostages with impunity.
“It’s colossally embarrassing to see non-state actors holding the country hostage and attacking people repeatedly without challenge”, he said, adding that reliance on peace deals where bandits dictate terms undermines deterrence and security.
Atiku stressed that while negotiation can be part of addressing the crisis, it should not allow criminals to control outcomes. He urged the government to respond proactively to attacks rather than react after the fact.
“Nigerians are no longer impressed by strong rhetoric from the government. They want results. Experience shows that words alone do not deter these criminals”, he said.
He further called on the Tinubu-led administration to honor its campaign promises to tackle insecurity and hold itself accountable to the same standards the APC demanded when it was in opposition.
