‘Where is the urgency?’ – Atiku’s aide challenges Tinubu over Taraba attack

Paul Ibe, media aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu over his administration’s security priorities following a reported attack that left at least 40 people dead in Taraba State, asking why protecting Nigerian lives has not received greater urgency.

In a post shared on X, Ibe recalled Tinubu’s October 14 assurance that governance would remain his priority during the election campaign.

He argued that the promise should be judged by the safety of Nigerians, not the number of campaign rallies the President attends.

Amnesty International reportedly put the death toll from the October 23 attack on Binnari village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State at about 40.

Ibe said shops were looted, homes burnt and families forced to flee.

He questioned the timing of the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna while residents of Binnari were mourning victims of the attack.

“Condolences cannot substitute for protection,” he wrote, demanding urgent security intervention, support for survivors and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

He added: “Attending fewer rallies is a scheduling decision. Protecting Nigerians is the test of leadership.”

Ibe ended by directly asking Tinubu: “Mr President, where is the urgency to secure Nigerian lives?”