Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing in his constitutional responsibility to protect Nigerians following reports that 640 people were killed in insecurity-related incidents in October.
Atiku also raised the alarm over the displacement of nearly 64,000 Nigerians who reportedly fled violence in the northern part of the country to neighbouring Niger Republic since January 2026.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate described the figures as a damning reflection of the worsening security situation and urged the Federal Government to take responsibility for the escalating violence.
He made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.
According to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, citing the Centre for Democracy and Development’s October security tracker, 640 people were killed in various security incidents across the country during the month.
The figure represented an increase from the 396 fatalities recorded in September.
The North-East accounted for 409 of the deaths, highlighting the severity of the security challenges confronting the region.
Atiku also cited a United Nations report which indicated that nearly 64,000 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria for Niger Republic since the beginning of 2026, while several hundred others had crossed into Benin Republic.
“These figures are a devastating indictment of the security situation in our country,” Atiku said.
“Behind every number is a Nigerian whose life has been lost, a family in mourning or a community forced to abandon its home. Nigerians should not have to flee across our borders to find safety.”
The former vice-president called on the Tinubu administration to strengthen security operations in affected communities and provide adequate support for displaced families.
He also urged the government to collaborate with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations to assist Nigerians forced to seek refuge outside the country.
Atiku said the Federal Government owed Nigerians a clear explanation of the measures being taken to end the killings and restore security across the country.
“The Tinubu administration must make the protection of lives and communities its first responsibility,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate further criticised what he described as the government’s excuses over the deteriorating security situation, insisting that protecting citizens remained the most fundamental responsibility of any administration.
“A government that cannot protect its people has failed in its most basic duty,” he said.
“President Tinubu must stop offering excuses and take responsibility for this worsening crisis. Nigerians need safety now, not another promise.”
