Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, accusing President Bola Tinubu and the military leadership of failing to prevent the incident amid renewed terrorist attacks.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked” by reports of Uba’s death. He faulted what he described as unclear explanations from the military hierarchy, noting that initial official statements suggested the incident had not occurred.
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 accused President Tinubu of neglecting his constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief, arguing that political considerations were being placed above national security. “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 Uba’s death—and the deaths of troops under his command—as “one death too many,” Atiku warned that the resurgence of terrorism represents an escalating threat the country cannot ignore. He urged Nigerians, as well as the military, to remain resilient, saying “even this season shall pass away.”
Atiku also called on the President to consider authorising the military to take control of Borno or any other state facing severe threats until stability is restored. “We must care enough for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our sake,” he said.
He further challenged President Tinubu to fulfil his primary duty to protect Nigerians. “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 stated.
He extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of Brig-Gen Uba, and all citizens affected by the country’s worsening security situation.
