In the wake of the tragic bandit attack on Ndanakun village in Kwara State, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to social media to condemn the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity. His words were sharp, his tone urgent, and his message clear: the government is failing Nigerians. But before we rally behind his outrage, it’s worth asking—what’s really behind the curtain?

Political Timing or Genuine Concern?
Atiku’s statement comes at a time when political tensions are high and public trust in leadership is fragile. While his condemnation of violence is valid, the timing and tone raise questions. Is this a sincere call for justice, or a strategic move to remain politically relevant? Nigerians have seen this playbook before—where tragedy becomes a podium and outrage becomes a campaign.

A Record Worth Scrutinizing
Let’s not forget that Atiku himself was a central figure in Nigeria’s leadership for eight years. During his tenure as Vice President, insecurity, corruption, and economic instability were far from resolved. Many of the systemic issues he now criticizes were either born or deepened under administrations he was part of. It’s easy to point fingers from the sidelines, but harder to account for one’s own legacy.

Rhetoric vs. Responsibility
Atiku’s recent comments accuse the government of prioritizing political suppression over citizen safety. Yet, he offers no concrete solutions, no policy alternatives, and no collaborative proposals. Nigerians are tired of rhetoric. They want results. Criticism without contribution is just noise—and in a country grappling with violence, we need more than echoes.\\

The Danger of Political Opportunism
When public figures use national tragedies to score political points, it undermines genuine efforts to address the crisis. It distracts from the victims, the displaced families, and the communities living in fear. Nigerians must be vigilant—not just against bandits, but against opportunists who exploit suffering for visibility.