Atiku accuses Tinubu of failing to protect Nigerians over worsening insecurity

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

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

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

He said the government must make the protection of lives and communities its “first responsibility”.

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

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

In another report, the United Nations stated that nearly 64,000 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria for 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 work 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 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.”