Tinubu to Armed Forces: Intensify Efforts to Protect Civilians Across Country

•Mourns victims of terrorist attack in Borno • Atiku blasts president

Deji Elumoye in  Abuja

President  Bola Tinubu has directed the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East. 

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in reaction, accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of focusing on political opponents and supporting ethnic militia groups instead of tackling insecurity.

Tinubu, also charged the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists. 

The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Tinubu mourned the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.

He described the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear. 

The President commended the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.

Tinubu prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extended his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.

Meanwhile, Atiku has accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of focusing on political opponents and supporting ethnic militia groups instead of tackling insecurity.

 Atiku’s criticism followed a deadly terrorist attack in Borno State.

 In a statement posted on X yesterday, the former vice president condemned the attack by suspected terrorists on a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ngoshe, located in Gwoza Local Government Area, where more than 100 residents were reportedly abducted.

Atiku described the incident as “deeply troubling,” adding that the federal government’s response to the attack and similar incidents has been inadequate.

According to him, the increasing wave of violence across the country has become so widespread that both government and society appear to have become numb to the bloodshed.

He said it was unfortunate that the federal government seemed to be losing its grip on the fight against terrorism and violent attacks.

The former vice president alleged that the government was instead focused on exerting pressure on political opponents and enabling what he described as self-serving ethnic militia groups.

“It is unfortunate that the current federal government appears to be losing its grip on the fight against terrorism and violent attacks. Instead, it seems more focused on unleashing intense pressure against political opponents and enabling self-serving ethnic militia groups.

“It is disheartening that those responsible for internal security, along with the elite of the ruling party, remain preoccupied with consolidating power, while vulnerable civilians and servicemen are being killed,” Atiku said.