Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, accusing President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security leadership of failing to prevent the incident amid renewed terrorist attacks.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Atiku expressed shock and grief over the development, describing it as another indication of political and military failure. He criticised what he called the military hierarchy’s unclear communication regarding the circumstances surrounding the senior officer’s death.
He 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.”
Atiku further asserted that the incident reflects a leadership shortfall at the highest political level. “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 loss of troops under his command—as “one death too many,” Atiku warned that the resurgence of terrorism poses a grave threat the country cannot afford to ignore. He urged Nigerians and military leaders to remain resolute, adding that “even this season shall pass away.”
The former Vice President also called on President Tinubu to take decisive measures, including considering directing the military to assume control in Borno or other highly threatened states 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.
Atiku further issued 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.”
He extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of Brig-Gen Uba, and all Nigerians affected by the ongoing insecurity.
