Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks in Kwara, Benue, and Katsina states, describing them as grim evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security situation. He warned that the country is fast becoming what he called a “killing field.”
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Atiku said the scale and frequency of the massacres were a damning indictment of the state’s failure to protect citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
“The reported massacres in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue are a damning confirmation that Nigeria has descended into a killing field,” he said, noting that repeated attacks and mass burials expose “a catastrophic failure of the state to protect the lives of its citizens.”
Atiku stressed that mere condemnations after attacks were no longer enough, urging a shift from reactive to proactive and preventive security measures.
“Empty condemnations after mass burials are no longer acceptable. Security must be proactive, deliberate and preventive, not reactive. Communities repeatedly attacked should not be left as open hunting grounds for criminals. The murder of even one Nigerian is an unforgivable failure,” he said.
Expressing personal anguish, Atiku called on the Federal Government, state authorities, and local communities to work together decisively to halt the violence and end the ongoing bloodshed.
“I am deeply pained by these killings. I call on the Federal Government, states and communities to act decisively and in concert to end this bloodletting,” he added.
The comments follow coordinated attacks earlier this week. In Kwara State, suspected Islamic militants stormed Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday night, shooting residents after they rejected extremist preaching. While over 100 deaths were initially feared, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed 75 fatalities, describing the victims as local Muslims “massacred for refusing to submit to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.” In response, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of an Army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield.
Also on Tuesday, bandits attacked Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, killing several residents, while in Katsina State, at least 20 people were reportedly killed in Doma community by armed bandits who stormed the village and fled after the killings.
Atiku’s statement underscores growing concern over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and the urgent need for stronger, preventive measures to protect citizens nationwide.