Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced sharp criticism over the reported death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, calling it a sign of political and military failure as Nigeria grapples with a resurgent terrorist threat.

In a post on X on Monday, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked” by news of Uba’s killing, and blamed the military hierarchy for unclear explanations. He warned that President Bola Tinubu, in his role as Commander-in-Chief, must do more to safeguard the security of Nigerians.

Atiku wrote: “I am deeply saddened and extremely shocked and disturbed by news making the rounds of the killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba by terrorists and the failure of the military hierarchy to clearly explain how it happened or what went wrong, as initial official denials indicated that this was not the case.”

He went on to say: “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.”

Atiku described Uba’s death, and the losses among troops he was leading, as “one death too many,” cautioning that the resurgence of terror is a threat the country cannot afford. He called on citizens and military leaders to remain resolute, adding, “even this season shall pass away.”

He further urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, including the possibility of ordering the military to take control of Borno or other states under severe threat, until they are secured. “We must care enough for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our sake,” Atiku said.

His statement also included a pointed challenge to the president: “The security of the lives of our people is your primary responsibility … you must live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign.”

Atiku extended his condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of the late General Uba, and all Nigerians affected by the ongoing insecurity.

Ademide Adebayo

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