Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent bandit attacks in Kaduna State, particularly the abduction of worshippers during a church service in Kajuru on Sunday.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku highlighted the growing audacity of bandits and criticized the government's approach to insecurity, urging proactive measures and fair negotiations that prioritize victims over criminals.
The abduction, confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, underscores the escalating security challenges in the region, where bandits continue to target innocent communities without facing adequate deterrence.
Atiku expressed deep concern over the persistent violence, stating that Nigerians are weary of empty condemnations and demand tangible results.
"It is difficult to achieve deterrence in a situation where governors are on their knees begging bandits in the name of peace deals," Atiku said. While acknowledging that negotiations can play a role in ending the violence, he firmly opposed deals where bandits dictate terms that disproportionately benefit them.
"Those peace deals always favour the bandits more than their victims, and they have always fooled the government’s negotiators," he added. Atiku further advised that the government must not wait for bandits to launch attacks before responding.
"Furthermore, Atiku advised that the government does not have to wait until the bandits launch attacks before it responds to them," the statement read. He emphasized the need for proactive strategies to protect communities and uphold their rights.
Holding the Bola Tinubu-led administration accountable, Atiku noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had previously criticized past governments harshly on security issues and must now meet the same standards. "Nigerians are no longer impressed by the powerful language of condemnation by the government. They’re more interested in results than rhetoric.
Experience has shown that if rhetoric were enough to deter the bandits, the menace would have ended a long time ago," he stated. "Nigerians cannot be comforted by excuses.
As a former opposition party, the APC held the then government in power to the harshest and merciless standards, and therefore, the Tinubu administration must be held to the same standards."
Atiku called for a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of banditry and ensuring that any peace initiatives do not embolden criminals at the expense of innocent Nigerians. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of affected communities.