Sokoto killings: Atiku urges FG to bring perpetrators to justice

File: Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.

Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to move beyond condolence messages and take decisive action to prevent further killings following the death of 32 people in Ungushi community, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Atiku condemned the killings in a statement on Monday on his verified X account, describing the victims as innocent Nigerians whose deaths had further highlighted the worsening insecurity across the country.

“I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State,” he said.

He expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and residents of Sokoto State, praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones.

“My heart goes out to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State. May Allah forgive the departed and give their loved ones the strength to endure this unbearable loss,” he said.

The former Vice-President, however, said condolences from government officials were no longer sufficient in the face of recurring attacks and killings across the country.

“But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?” he asked.

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Atiku said the frequency of such attacks was alarming, warning that the government must not become comfortable with issuing statements after every massacre without taking effective measures to protect citizens.

“These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, secure vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings were arrested and prosecuted.

“The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Atiku said.

He stressed that the primary responsibility of government was to protect the lives and property of citizens, adding that Nigerians should not continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offered excuses.

“The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses,” he said.

Atiku prayed for peace in Sokoto State and across the country, urging the government to take urgent measures to prevent further loss of lives.