Atiku Abubakar Raises Alarm Over October Violence and Displacement in Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has voiced serious concerns about the increasing violence in Nigeria. His remarks come after a report indicated that 638 people were killed due to insecurity in October, with nearly 64,000 Nigerians fleeing to the Niger Republic.

The report, released by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism and based on data from the Centre for Democracy and Development, revealed that the North-East region alone accounted for 409 of the deaths. Overall, the report noted an increase in fatalities from 396 in September to 640 in October.

In addition to the deaths, the United Nations reported that since the beginning of 2026, almost 64,000 individuals have fled violence in northern Nigeria, with some seeking refuge in Benin as well.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku emphasized the personal impact of these statistics, saying, “Behind every number is a Nigerian whose life has been lost, a family in mourning or a community forced to abandon its home.” He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the safety of its citizens and to strengthen security in the most affected areas.

Atiku also called for the government to support displaced families and collaborate with neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations to assist those who have fled. He insisted that the government must provide clear information on the steps being taken to restore safety and prevent further violence.

“Nigerians need safety. The government must act to restore security and support affected communities,” he concluded.