By Abiola Olawale
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the gruesome murder of at least 21 individuals in Madaka, Rafi Local Government Area, LGA, Niger State.
Atiku who took to his official X platform, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday, lamented that the insecurity in that region has made Nigeria become a killing field.
The New Diplomat reports that in a devastating assault on the Madaka community within the Rafi LGA, suspected bandits wrought havoc, claiming the lives of no fewer than 21 individuals, among them, the village head.
The incident unfolded with terrifying swiftness around 3 pm on Thursday, amidst the bustling activity of the community market, resulting in a grim tally of casualties.
Atiku, in his reaction, sympathized with the families of the bereaved, praying that God grant them solace to bear the loss.
He also called on the security agencies to ensure they fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.
In his words, “It is saddening that Nigeria has become a killing field. Thursday’s killing of scores of persons, including the village head, and abduction of an unspecified number of people by suspected bandits in Madaka, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, is yet another confirmation that contrary to assurances, insecurity continues to be rife in our country.
“We have to prioritize security and speed up the process of a constitutional amendment that will introduce State Police so that states and local authorities can deploy mechanisms that best suit their environment in tackling this hydra-headed insecurity in our land.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved and the government and people of Niger State”.
