Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported killings in parts of Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, describing them as further evidence that Nigeria has turned into a “killing field.”
In a statement, Atiku said the growing scale and frequency of the attacks point to a catastrophic failure of the state to safeguard its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
He faulted what he described as routine condemnations issued after mass burials, stressing that such responses were no longer acceptable.
According to him, security operations must move away from being reactive and instead become proactive, deliberate and preventive.
He warned that communities that are repeatedly attacked should not be abandoned and left as open hunting grounds for criminals.
Expressing deep anguish over the violence, the former vice president urged the federal government, state governments and local communities to act decisively and collectively to end the killings.
He emphasised that the death of even one Nigerian represents an unforgivable failure of governance.
Posting on X, Atiku wrote, “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.”