Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, accusing his administration of failing to protect Nigerians from persistent killings and displacement.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the killing of 640 people in October and the displacement of nearly 64,000 Nigerians to the Niger Republic reflected the alarming scale of insecurity under the Tinubu administration.

The former vice-president made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

He described the reported casualties and mass displacement as a damning reflection of the government's failure to guarantee the safety of citizens, urging the Federal Government to accept responsibility for the worsening situation.

According to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which cited the Centre for Democracy and Development's October security tracker, 640 people lost their lives in various security-related incidents during the month, compared with 396 deaths recorded in September.

The North-East region alone accounted for 409 fatalities, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgency and other security challenges.

The United Nations also reported that nearly 64,000 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria to the Niger Republic since the beginning of 2026, while several hundred others had crossed into Benin Republic.

Reacting to the reports, Atiku said the figures represented more than statistics, noting that they reflected the loss of innocent lives, families torn apart and communities compelled to abandon their ancestral homes.

“These figures are a devastating indictment of the security situation in our country,” he said.

“Behind every number is a Nigerian whose life has been lost, a family in mourning or a community forced to abandon its home. Nigerians should not have to flee across our borders to find safety.”

He called on the Tinubu administration to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities, provide adequate support for displaced persons and deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations to address the crisis.

Atiku also demanded accountability from the Federal Government, insisting that Nigerians deserved concrete explanations about the steps being taken to end the killings and restore peace across the country.

“The Tinubu administration must make the protection of lives and communities its first responsibility,” he said.

He further accused the government of resorting to excuses rather than taking decisive responsibility for the deteriorating security situation.

“A government that cannot protect its people has failed in its most basic duty,” Atiku declared.

“President Tinubu must stop offering excuses and take responsibility for this worsening crisis. Nigerians need safety now, not another promise.”