Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over what he described as a misplaced security focus amid worsening insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the authorities of prioritising the prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore while deadly attacks continue to claim lives in several parts of Nigeria.
The former vice president expressed concern over the recent attack on Kawel village in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 18 people were reportedly killed and several others injured by armed assailants.
Atiku lamented what he described as the lack of a swift and visible response from security agencies following the attack, noting that no significant action had been taken against those responsible for the killings.
According to him, the silence surrounding the incident has raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities that continue to face repeated attacks from armed groups.
He contrasted the situation with the heavy security presence surrounding Sowore’s legal challenges, arguing that security personnel should be focused on safeguarding citizens in areas threatened by terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.
“We major in minors while insecurity rules the land. Why can’t these security forces be deployed to vulnerable parts of the country where citizens are at the mercy of terrorists and bandits instead of using security personnel meant to protect Nigerians to intimidate them?” Atiku said.
The ADC candidate further questioned what he described as the government’s urgency in dealing with political critics while communities affected by insecurity continue to suffer attacks and loss of lives.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property, urging security agencies to concentrate on addressing threats to public safety rather than actions that could be perceived as targeting dissenting voices.
