Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has blamed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the rising violence in Plateau State, calling the latest killings in Zike community a consequence of “government incompetence.”

The attack, which occurred on Sunday in the Kimakpa area of Kwali district, Bassa LGA, resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people, following a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA days earlier.

In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku condemned the tragedy as a “grim reminder” of the worsening insecurity under the Tinubu government.

“It is regrettable and entirely unacceptable that these Nigerians had to lose their lives as a result of the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that the protection of citizens is the primary responsibility of any government. “Unfortunately, President Tinubu has failed these citizens and continues to fail them.”

Atiku also expressed concern over the escalation of terrorist attacks in Borno State, citing recent statements by Governor Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, regarding the growing loss of lives and territory to insurgents.

These developments, according to Atiku, represent a collapse of the nation’s security architecture. He criticized the government’s handling of terrorism cases, calling for the prosecution of terrorists to be prioritized and for special courts to be established for fast-tracking justice.

He also raised alarms over armed groups reportedly crossing into Nigeria to carry out attacks, describing the situation as a “national disgrace.”

Atiku called for legislative action to empower state governments to equip their security outfits with modern weapons, stressing the importance of justice and swift responses to terrorism.

He urged communities to support security forces with intelligence and avoid collaborating with criminal groups, while commending the courage of Nigerian troops.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We owe them justice, and we owe Nigeria a safer future,” he concluded.