Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described Nigeria as having “descended into a killing field” following recent deadly attacks in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states.
The warning comes after reports that about 170 people were killed in Kwara State alone this week.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Atiku lamented what he called a catastrophic failure of the state to protect citizens’ lives, stressing that mere condemnations after mass burials are no longer acceptable.
He said: “The reported massacres in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue are a damning confirmation that Nigeria has descended into a killing field. The scale and frequency of these attacks expose a catastrophic failure of the state to protect the lives of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Empty condemnations after mass burials are no longer acceptable.
Security must be proactive, deliberate and preventive, not reactive. Communities repeatedly attacked must not be left as open hunting grounds for criminals. 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. The murder of even one Nigerian is an unforgivable failure.”
Atiku’s remarks highlight growing concern over the rising violence across several states and call for urgent, coordinated action by federal and state authorities to safeguard lives and restore security.
