The assassination of Brigadier General M. Uba by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been denounced by former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who has described the incident as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
According to reports, ISWAP militants ambushed a military convoy carrying equipment in Borno State’s Damboa–Wajiroko axis on Friday, leading to the abduction and murder of General Uba.
Atiku responded to the development in a post on 𝕏 on Tuesday, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by it and voicing concern about what he saw as Nigeria’s declining ability to contain terrorist threats around the nation.
President Bola Tinubu was criticized by the former vice president for allegedly focusing more on weakening the opposition than carrying out his responsibilities as commander in chief.
According to Atiku, the senior officer’s death combined with those of troops under his command was “one death too many” and ought to serve as a warning to the federal government.
Atiku declared, “General Musa’s death is one death too many and signals a bold terrorist resurgence that Nigeria cannot afford, along with the loss of troops under his command.”
He criticized the military hierarchy’s conflicting explanation of the incident, pointing out that early denials further increased public mistrust and ambiguity.
Atiku criticized the government’s response to the insurgency in the Northeast, arguing that swift action was necessary to save the populace and bring normalcy back.
“To Mr. President, the security of our people’s lives is your primary responsibility and you must either live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign,” he declared.
“If I were president, I would direct the military to occupy Borno State or any other state that is being besieged by armed groups or bandits until those areas are cleared. We ought to show enough concern for the men and women who risk their life for us.
Atiku expressed confidence that Nigeria would eventually overcome the current wave of instability, urging both citizens and security forces to hold onto hope despite his criticism.
He claimed that the late general’s and other deceased troops’ sacrifices must strengthen the country’s will to fight terrorism.
He remarked, “Even this season shall pass away,” urging solidarity and swift action in the fight against insurrection.
