Northeast must not return to terrorism – Atiku to Nigerian govt

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has charged the Nigerian government not to allow the Northeast slide back into terrorism and extreme violence.

Atiku made the call against the backdrop of multiple suicide attacks carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town, Borno State.

The coordinated attacks led to the death of about 30 people while about 100 sustained various degrees of injuries.

Reacting, Atiku said such an attack was due to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.

Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East.

“The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.

“It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect is being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.

“It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.

“My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed. -AA”