The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has berated President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the growing spread of insurgents into many hitherto peaceful States, blaming the spread on the poor security strategy of the current administration.

During the weekend, intense attacks were reported in Kwara, a State that had been peaceful, with bandits demanding ransoms such as food, money and even drinks, from residents.

Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, writing on his X handle, blamed President Tinubu for what he described the “continued insensitivity to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, accusing him of prioritising political appearances over his sacred duty of protecting the lives of Nigerians.”

Abdullahi dismissed as mere “political rhetoric” the President’s remarks at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos that his mission is to unite Nigerians, saying that the President’s actions since he came to office did not indicate that he understands what it takes to unite Nigerians.

Abdullahi lamented that insurgents are gradually spreading into states, such as Kwara and Oyo, with renewed attacks in Kogi, with threats of spreading into South Western states.

“The newspapers are reporting that nine Local Government Areas in Kwara State, a state that had until this APC-led administration enjoyed a reputation for peace and stability, reportedly came under siege by armed bandits.

“In a development that underscores the extent of state fragility, residents are now being forced to provide food items, drinks, money, and other services as ransom payments.”

The party expressed deep concerns over the brazen insensitivity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the growing insecurity in the country.

“This is a complete failure of governance. Yet, the presidency has neither acknowledged the situation nor outlined any plan of action to support the affected communities or hold those responsible to account.

“On the same day, a similar tragic attack by gunmen was reported in Kogi State, during which travellers were killed and several others, including women and children, were abducted for ransom. Earlier in the week, there were reports that more than 180 schools across states in Northern Nigeria have been shut and children kept at home as a result of worsening insecurity. Unfortunately, these reports form part of a broader and bloodier pattern.

“From Plateau to Zamfara, Benue to Niger, Kaduna to Kwara, incidents of mass abductions, violent attacks, and forced displacement continue to rise.

“Despite this, the federal government persists in offering vague assurances that “progress” is being made, an insensitive claim that is being refuted daily in blood and body counts of innocent victims who, it now appears, the gunmen kill for sport.”

“As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in whom the constitutional authority to secure the lives and property of citizens is vested, the President’s continued preference for attending social and political events in the midst of alarming deterioration of internal security is both unacceptable and irresponsible.”

The party noted that while rural communities are being emptied and schools are being shut down, the President continues to attend funerals and ceremonies involving political associates.

“This sends the unfortunate message that the President cares more about political appearances than the lives of Nigerian citizens.

“We recall that earlier in the year, hundreds of people were killed by gunmen in the same Plateau State in attacks that lasted several months, but the President never thought it necessary to visit the state at the time.

“Instead, the President remained in the cosy comfort of the Presidential Villa to condemn the attacks he should have prevented and issued directives that no one obeyed.

The party dismissed President Tinubu’s claim of progress in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, describing such claims as “a tragic denial of the reality of most Nigerians who have had to bury loved ones in recent days and on a daily basis.

“This denial by the President, no doubt, emanates either from cruel indifference or tragic oversimplification of a very complex problem.”