Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recent attack by suspected terrorists on a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the incident as deeply troubling and alarming.
In a statement he posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday, Atiku said the attack, which reportedly resulted in the abduction of more than 100 residents, reflects the growing insecurity across the country and raises serious concerns about the Federal Government’s response to violent attacks.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s apparent indifference to the incident and other similar attacks that have occurred in different parts of the country.
According to the former vice president, the rising wave of violence and killings has become so widespread that both the government and the public appear to have grown numb to the bloodshed caused by terrorist assaults.
“At a time when communities are living in fear and lives are being lost, the response from those entrusted with protecting citizens has been far from reassuring,” he said.
Atiku further stated that the current administration appears to be gradually losing its grip on the fight against terrorism and violent crimes across the nation.
He argued that rather than focusing fully on addressing the security crisis, the government seems to be preoccupied with political battles and efforts aimed at weakening its opponents.
The former presidential candidate also expressed concern that security agencies and members of the ruling elite appear more focused on consolidating political power than tackling the worsening security challenges facing the country.
“It is disheartening that those responsible for safeguarding the nation’s internal security remain preoccupied with political interests while vulnerable civilians and security personnel continue to fall victim to attacks,” he said.
He warned that the continued deterioration of security could further undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
Atiku urged the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security forces, and take decisive action to prevent further attacks on communities and security installations.
He also called on authorities to prioritise the safety of citizens, particularly in conflict-prone areas where residents remain exposed to the threat of insurgent violence.
While extending his sympathies to the victims of the Ngoshe attack, Atiku said the government must demonstrate greater empathy and commitment to supporting affected families and communities.
“I sympathise deeply with the families of the victims of this attack. However, the government must show genuine concern and take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from becoming a recurring reality,” he added.
Security sources said the attack on the Ngoshe community has heightened fear among residents of Gwoza and surrounding areas, as authorities continue efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue those abducted.
