- Atiku, who expressed sadness at Yargoje attack, said banditry and terrorism have become routine in Nigeria
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, said acts of banditry, terrorism and other nefarious activities by armed non-state actors have become the order of the day in the country.
Atiku said this in reaction to a report of Sunday attack by bandits on Yargoje village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, during which 20 people were killed
In a statement on Monday by its spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Katsina Police Command confirmed the killing of about 20 people, four police officers and two operatives of the state-owned Community Watch Corps.
The statement added the bandits ambushed the police armoured personnel carrier responding to the distress call at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, killing the security operatives.
Reacting in a post via his X handle on Tuesday while reacting, Atiku said the government is indifferent and helpless in tackling widespread insecurity despite the massive annual budget for defence.
Atiku, who expressed sadness at Yargoje attack, said banditry and terrorism have become routine in Nigeria.
He stated, “I am saddened by reports of the attack on Yargoje village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State, which claimed scores of lives and the kidnap of vulnerable women and children.
“It is also sad that the bandits ambushed the police armoured personnel carrier responding to the distress call at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, killing four police officers and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps.
“Most worrisome to me is that these acts of banditry and terrorism have become routine, with the government seemingly helpless and nonchalant about it despite the enormous annual budget for defence.”
The former vice president also called on the federal government to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
“While I sympathise with the families of the victims, I will once again call on the government to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens,” he added