Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent assault resulting in the tragic demise of a village head and several residents of Rafi Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State.
Reports indicate that at least 21 individuals, including the village head, were killed during a raid by bandits on Thursday afternoon at a market in Madaka, an agricultural community within Rafi LGA.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants descended upon the market around 3 pm, amidst bustling commercial activities, and indiscriminately opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd.
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Among the victims was a newlywed butcher who had ventured to the market to procure supplies for his business, only to encounter the violent incursion by the bandits.
In response to this tragic event, Abubakar took to X on Friday to express his dismay, stating that Nigeria has regrettably transformed into a “killing field” under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He underscored the urgent need for the implementation of state police as a crucial step towards addressing the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.
Atiku Abubakar wrote: “It is saddening that Nigeria has become a killing field. Thursday’s killing of scores of persons, including the village head and abduction of an unspecified number of people by suspected bandits in Madaka, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, is yet another confirmation that contrary to assurances, insecurity continues to be rife in our country.
“We have to prioritise security and speed up the process of a constitutional amendment that will introduce State Police so that states and local authorities can deploy mechanisms that best suit their environment in tackling this hydra-headed insecurity in our land.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved and the government and people of Niger State.”