Atiku condemns killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba, blames Presidency for security failures

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep shock over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by terrorists, describing the incident as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation and a failure of national leadership.

In a strongly worded statement issued on his official X account on Monday night, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked” by news of the senior officer’s death and criticised the military hierarchy for what he called unclear and contradictory explanations surrounding the circumstances of the attack.

He noted that early official responses appeared to deny that the general had been killed, a development he said raised serious concerns about transparency within the nation’s security apparatus.

“This for me is unequivocally a failure of political leadership as the President seems only more interested in decimating the opposition by all means possible, while forgetting his crucial role as Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces,” he said.

Describing Gen. Musa Uba’s killing along with the deaths of accompanying soldiers, as “one death too many,” Atiku warned that the incident signalled a bold terrorist resurgence that Nigeria could not afford to ignore.

He urged citizens and military personnel to take heart, saying that “even this season shall pass away.”

Directing his remarks to the President, he insisted that safeguarding Nigerian lives remained the administration’s most important duty.

“You must live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign,” he declared.

He added that if he were President, he would immediately order the military to occupy Borno State, or any state under siege by bandits or armed groups, until such areas were fully secured.

He stressed the need to prioritise the welfare and safety of frontline troops.

Atiku extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of the slain general, and all Nigerians mourning the resurgence of violence.

“May this dark period pass over us as a nation, sooner than later,” he said.

It should be recalled that Uba, the Commander, 25 Task Force Brigade in Dambo, Borno State and his troops were ambushed by ISWAP terrorists at Damboa Road along Wajiroko in Borno.