Atiku: FG’s lacklustre posture emboldening terrorists in north-east

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the federal government should not allow the north-east region to slide back into terrorism and extreme violence.

In a post on his X Page on Sunday, Abubakar condemned the multiple suicide attacks on Saturday at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town, Borno state.

Seven people were reported killed and over 16 injured after two suspected suicide bombers attacked some wedding guests at Marrarraban Gwoza on Saturday.

The former vice-president said the upsurge in terrorist attacks was due to the government’s “lacklustre posture” to hold firmly on the frontlines.

“It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East,” he wrote.

“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.”

In March 2024, two people were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED), strapped to a suspected suicide bomber, detonated near a mosque in Biu LGA of Borno state.