The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2027 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has decried the killing of 32 persons by bandits in Sokoto State. He expressed concerns over the inability of the federal government to protect citizens.

Atiku, therefore, covertly called President Bola Tinubu to duty. He asserted that the first duty of government is to protect life. He stated that Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses.

According to Atiku, "I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State.

"But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?

"These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre.

"The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice."

Atiku condolence reads:

I am devastated by the killing of 32 innocent Nigerians in Ungushi community, Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State.

My heart goes out to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State. May Allah forgive the departed and give their loved ones the strength to endure this unbearable loss.

But condolences are no longer enough. How many more Nigerians must be slaughtered before this government treats the protection of human life as an emergency?

These killings have become frighteningly recurrent, and a government that cannot protect its citizens must not become comfortable issuing statements after every massacre.

The Federal Government must move from condolences to action: strengthen intelligence, secure vulnerable communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The first duty of government is to protect life. Nigerians cannot continue to bury their loved ones while those entrusted with their security offer excuses.

May Allah comfort Sokoto and restore peace to our nation. —AA