Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has raised serious concerns about the increasing acts of banditry and terrorism in the country. Atiku expressed his worries following a recent attack by bandits on Yargoje village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, where 20 people lost their lives.
The Katsina Police Command confirmed the tragic incident in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, about 20 people, including four police officers and two operatives of the state-owned Community Watch Corps, were killed by the bandits. The security operatives were ambushed by the bandits while responding to a distress call at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages.
In response to the incident, Atiku took to his social media handle to express his sadness and concern. He stated that acts of banditry and terrorism have become distressingly routine in the country, and the government appears to be helpless and nonchalant despite the significant annual budget allocated to defense.
Atiku wrote, “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, 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 defense.”
The former vice president called on the federal government to prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives and property. He urged the government to fulfill its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
While sympathizing with the families of the victims, Atiku emphasized the need for the government to take immediate action. He reiterated his call for the government to be proactive in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.
