Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s misplaced priorities, urging authorities to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity with the same intensity and urgency they apply to revenue generation.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku condemned the government for celebrating revenue milestones while lives are being lost to unrelenting violence across the country.
“We cannot continue to lose our productive population to sundry criminalities and yet make bogus claims about reaching revenue targets, as though the lives of the workforce that produces the revenue don’t matter,” Atiku wrote.
His remarks followed a deadly attack on Wagga Mongono community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Tuesday, which left at least four people dead, several others injured, and homes, shops, and a church destroyed by suspected insurgents. Many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Calling the incident “deeply personal” given his roots in Adamawa, Atiku expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He described the tragedy as another painful reminder of Nigeria’s persistent insecurity and the government’s failure to decisively address it.
“Our people are certainly tired of government’s empty claims of improvements in security,” he said. “Nigerians would love to see this government exert the same pressure and commitment on security as it does on revenue targets.”
Atiku stressed that insecurity remains a daily threat for millions of Nigerians and that the Wagga Mongono attack underscores how far the country is from achieving lasting peace and stability.
“The government must move beyond mere rhetoric and propaganda and take decisive, sustained action to protect lives and property,” he added. “Nigerians deserve more than promises; they deserve peace, security, and the freedom to live in any place of their choice without fear.”
He concluded his statement with prayers for the victims and a message of hope for the affected community.
“May Almighty Allah grant eternal rest to the departed, healing to the injured, and comfort to all who mourn,” Atiku said.
The former vice president’s comments come amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of security challenges, particularly in the North-East, where insurgent attacks continue to claim lives and displace communities.
