Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the current administration over escalating insecurity in Kwara State, where bandits have displaced residents of a community in Patigi Local Government Area.
Speaking on Tuesday via his Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep disappointment with what he termed the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s “monumental failure” to shield citizens from rampant violence. He drew attention to Kwara, a state once regarded as peaceful, now plagued by a surge in armed attacks and abductions.
He added that the reemergence of deadly violence in the North-Central part of the country is a clear sign that this administration has neglected its responsibility to protect the people. He went further to report disturbing incidents in neighboring states: Niger has experienced brazen assaults on military installations and fatal attacks on worshippers; both Plateau and Benue continue to mourn heavy casualties as security forces seemingly turn a blind eye.
By May 2025, within just two years of the current government’s tenure, more than 10,000 lives were lost across northern states, with Benue accounting for over half that grim toll. Killings and kidnappings remain regular events, despite official denial of any crisis.
Instead of prioritizing the fight against insecurity, Atiku accused the ruling party, the APC, of using unlawful means to suppress opposition, employing thugs and hired goons to disrupt political gatherings in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Ogun states. He stressed that in these instances, law enforcement has failed to intervene adequately and often blamed the victims and that the silence from APC’s leaders suggests complicity.
Atiku reminded the Nigerian police in his statement of their constitutional obligation to serve impartially. He stated that Police officers receive their funding from taxpayers, not the APC and that they must remain neutral and uphold fairness, anything less is a betrayal.
The former vice president’s condemnation coincides with disturbing reports from Ndanakun village in Patigi LGA, where bandit raids have led inhabitants to flee their homes. A video circulating on social media platforms depicts the dire situation. villagers recount attacks that left community members dead, crops destroyed, livestock stolen, and many abducted. Locals say such raids have occurred at least four times within two months.
A retired native, speaking anonymously, confirmed the mass exodus. He stated that their people have scattered across Kwara and Niger states and that no one knows when it will be safe to come back.
On August 31, gunmen targeted Sabongeri village near Ndanakun, killing two and abducting another person. Disturbingly, the previous night saw bandits storm a mosque in Patigi during prayers, fatally shooting Alhaji Dahiru, aged 45, as they attempted to kidnap him. Eyewitnesses reported that around seven armed men attacked at about 8:30 p.m. and fled on motorcycles after shooting Dahiru when he resisted. Law enforcement recovered two AK-47 shell casings from the scene. Family members have appealed for the release of the body to perform Islamic burial rites.
In response, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq convened a security council session on Monday, bringing together heads of security agencies to evaluate ongoing operations aimed at curbing illegal armed groups. His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, outlined discussions on recent arrests, prosecutions, and weapon recoveries statewide.
The governor acknowledged the dedication of security personnel, saying, that they recognize the sacrifices made daily by those protecting lives and property and that they deserve every support available. He also urged citizens to stay alert and collaborate with authorities by providing intelligence to enhance efforts against criminal elements.
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