Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep worry over the rising killings of innocent Nigerians. He said the situation has grown so bad that it now feels like an epidemic, endangering the very essence of Nigeria’s humanity.

On Tuesday, gunmen stormed a mosque during early morning prayers in the Unguwan Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The deadly attack left at least 32 worshippers dead, according to reports.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, explained that the killings were a revenge attack. He said it followed an earlier incident where villagers ambushed and killed some suspected bandits.

The residents had also seized three motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles, and rescued kidnapped victims from Ruwan Sanyi village.

Reacting on Wednesday via his official X handle, Atiku noted that such killings are no longer rare cases but have sadly become a normal reality in northern Nigeria and other regions.

He added that the government seems to be downplaying the seriousness of the insecurity crisis.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stressed that the government must now wake up to its primary duty, which is protecting the lives and property of its citizens.

“At least 27 innocent worshippers were slaughtered inside a mosque in Katsina during prayers. These killings are now widespread and tragic. This attack was not just on a community; it was an attack on our collective humanity,” Atiku wrote.