Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the security challenges in the country.

In a statement via X on Monday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decried the fresh attacks in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.

He challenged the Commander-in-Chief to take a shift toward practical action amid the killings by gunmen.

“Enough of these hollow rhetoric, Mr. President. It is time to fold your sleeves and get to work,” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said.

He lamented that barely 72 hours after Tinubu vowed that the killing in Plateau State wouldn’t repeat itself, gunmen attacked Benue State, killing several people.

READ ALSO: ‘Another Presidential Promise Fails’, Peter Obi On Renewed Attacks Across Nigeria

“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,” Atiku stated.

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…

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 6, 2026

The former vice president also commiserated with the families of the victims of the attacks, assuring them of his prayers.

Atiku’s remarks followed those of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who criticised Tinubu over a recent surge in violent attacks across the country, highlighting what he describes as leadership failure.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, Obi recalled the President’s recent assurance to victims in Jos that such violence would not recur.

“‘This experience will not repeat itself’—another presidential promise fails in less than 24 hours”, he wrote.

Obi noted that shortly after President Tinubu visited victims in Jos on April 2 and pledged that such attacks would be prevented in the future, a fresh attack reportedly occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area, resulting in further casualties.

A wave of deadly attacks marred Easter celebrations in northern Nigeria, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens more injured across Borno, Katsina, Benue, and Kaduna states.

In Benue State, suspected armed herders stormed Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area, killing nine people and injuring several others, while residents fled to safer areas.

In Kaduna, terrorists raided two churches in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, reportedly killing five worshippers and abducting 31 others.

Katsina State recorded the deaths of one policeman during renewed banditry attacks in Tangani and Sayaya communities of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Awapul community in Chibok Local Government Area, burning houses and shops and forcing residents to flee.