The death 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 terrible reminder of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
ISWAP militants reportedly ambushed a military convoy carrying equipment along the Damboa–Wajiroko axis of Borno State on Friday, leading to the capture and murder of General Uba.
Atiku responded to the development in a post on 𝕏 on Tuesday, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” and voicing alarm over what he saw as Nigeria’s waning ability to contain terrorist threats around the nation.
President Bola Tinubu was targeted by the former vice president, who said that he was more concerned with weakening the opposition than carrying out his responsibilities as commander in chief.
According to Atiku, the senior officer’s death along with the troops under his command constituted “one death too many” and ought to serve as a warning to the federal government.
Atiku declared, “General Musa’s death and the loss of troops under his command are one death too many and signal a bold terrorist resurgence that Nigeria cannot afford.”
He criticized the military hierarchy’s conflicting explanation of the incident, pointing out that early denials only served to increase 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 about calm.
“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 order the military to occupy Borno State or any other state that is under siege by armed groups or bandits until those areas are cleared. The men and women who risk their life for us must be given enough consideration.
Atiku expressed confidence that Nigeria would eventually overcome the current wave of instability and advised both citizens and security forces to hold onto hope despite his critiques.
The late general’s and other deceased soldiers’ sacrifices, he said, must strengthen the country’s will to fight terrorism.
He wrote, “Even this season shall pass away,” urging cooperation and swift action in the fight against insurrection.
