Benue attack: Commander-in-Chief must brace up to challenges of governance – Atiku

By John Ogunsemore

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged President Bola Tinubu to brace up to the challenges of governance as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Atiku stated this in a statement on Monday following a Saturday attack in Agena community, Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State that have so far claimed 11 lives.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain observed that promises President Tinubu made after a similar attack in Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on March 29 have not been kept.

Atiku maintained that protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens remain primary responsibility of government.

He said, “I wish to remind President Bola Tinubu to keep to his words that ‘this (Angwan Rukuba attack) will not repeat itself.’ It does appear that those words are hollow because barely 72 hours, another attack in Benue State claimed over a dozen lives. The Commander-in-Chief should brace up to the challenges of governance.

“I am also concerned, like all well-meaning Nigerians about what is going on in a Nasarawa community where families had fled on foot amid threats of attack.

“And as if those are not enough, there was a fresh attack in Kaduna State at the weekend.

“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property and the promotion of the welfare of citizens.

“Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work.”

Atiku also commiserated with the families of the victims of the attacks.