Former VP Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Benue State, warning that the continued violence in the country’s food-producing region is worsening food inflation and increasing the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
In a statement shared on Monday, Atiku described Benue as the nation’s food basket, lamenting that the state had become a theatre of bloodshed, with devastating consequences for farmers, food production and national food security.
Citing figures released by Amnesty International, the African Democratic Congress (ADC Presidential candidate said 6,896 people were killed in Benue State during the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the casualties as farmers, families and entire communities displaced by persistent attacks.
“Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation. Today, that basket is bleeding,” Atiku said.
According to him, insecurity in the state has gone beyond a security challenge and has become a major economic burden affecting every Nigerian household.
“Every farmer forced off the land eventually shows up in the price of yam, rice, beans, vegetables and meat in the market. Insecurity is not only a security crisis; it is now a cost-of-living tax on every Nigerian family,” he stated.
Drawing from his personal experience as a farmer, Atiku said insecurity has also affected his own agricultural investments through theft and repeated disruptions.
“I speak about this not only as a former Vice President, but as a farmer who has felt the consequences of insecurity. My farms have suffered from theft and disruption. I therefore understand, from personal experience, what insecurity does to production, livelihoods and ultimately the price of food in the market,” he said.
The former Vice President criticised the Tinubu administration, arguing that the security situation remains unacceptable despite increased government revenue following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He recalled that Nigerians were assured that ending the subsidy would free up more resources for development and improved security.
Atiku further referenced the Nigeria Customs Service’s disclosure that about ₦34 trillion worth of import-duty exemption approvals were granted in 2025, noting that a significant portion was reportedly linked to military hardware.
Questioning the impact of such spending, he asked: “Where is the security? Where are the results?”
He added, “If Nigerians must pay more for fuel so government can have more resources, and enormous concession are being approved in the name of national priorities, then Nigerians should not also be paying with their lives.”
Calling for urgent action, Atiku maintained that the Benue crisis could be resolved through decisive leadership, justice and dialogue.
“I know this crisis is solvable. I have helped broker peace between Tiv and Fulani communities before, and I remain convinced that criminality has no tribe. A killer is a killer. A thief is a thief. We must punish criminals, protect farmers, secure livestock owners, and restore peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election also disclosed that he recently received African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates seeking elective offices in Benue State, urging them to prioritise the protection of lives and the restoration of the state’s agricultural strength above electoral victories.
“Their mission must be greater than winning elections. It must be about protecting lives, restoring livelihoods, reviving the Food Basket of the Nation, and making life affordable again,” he said.
Atiku concluded by renewing his appeal for immediate action to end the violence in Benue, declaring: “Tinubu removed the subsidy. Nigerians paid the price. Government got the resources. Benue should not still be paying with blood. Secure Benue. Restore the Food Basket. Make Nigeria affordable again.”
