Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration over its handling of escalating violence in Nigeria, particularly following recent attacks in Oyo and Katsina states. Atiku accused the government of ineffective leadership and urged President Tinubu to stop governing by issuing 'obituary statements' after each tragedy.
The attacks, which occurred in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and parts of Katsina State, resulted in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, as well as the killing of innocent civilians, including a pregnant woman. Atiku described these incidents as proof that Nigeria is 'bleeding under a government that has reduced leadership to post-tragedy press statements.'
Atiku Calls for Immediate Action
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Atiku emphasized that the gruesome murders and kidnappings are not merely a breakdown of security but a frightening collapse of leadership at the highest level. He lamented that terrorist groups are turning communities into graveyards across the country.
'President Tinubu's response remains the same tired ritual: condemn the killings, threaten that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, and then wait for the next massacre. Nigerians have heard this script too many times. It has become painfully predictable and utterly meaningless,' Atiku said.
He called for the immediate rescue of all abducted victims in Oyo State and urged the government to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's increasingly ineffective security architecture.
Tinubu's Response
President Tinubu had earlier assured that all victims abducted during the school attacks in Oyo State would be rescued, while condemning the killing of one of the kidnapped teachers. He stated that security operatives are working round the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.
Attacks like the recent incident in Oriire Local Government Area are common in northern and central Nigeria, where bandits and insurgents often target remote communities with weak security presence.
Shehu Sani Weighs In
Earlier, former Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna State blamed corruption for Nigeria's prolonged battle with banditry and terrorism. Sani noted that terrorists are 'afraid' of attacking targets in neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, but the same cannot be said of Nigeria. He alleged that Nigeria's defense and security agencies have not fully dedicated themselves to service, and resources meant for junior officers often do not reach them.
Atiku's call for a security overhaul comes amid growing public frustration over the government's inability to curb violence and protect citizens. The former vice president urged Tinubu to move beyond press releases and take concrete action to address the nation's security challenges.
