By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing in his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property amid reports that 638 people were killed in insecurity related incidents across Nigeria in October, while nearly 64,000 others fled violence in northern Nigeria to neighbouring Niger Republic.

Atiku said the figures exposed the worsening security situation in the country and called on the Federal Government to take urgent measures to end the killings, protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President described the reported casualties and mass displacement as a damning reflection of the country’s security challenges.

He said behind the statistics were Nigerians who had lost their lives, grieving families and entire communities compelled to abandon their homes because of persistent attacks and insecurity.According to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), its October security tracker recorded 638 deaths linked to broader insecurity incidents during the month, with the North East accounting for 409 fatalities.

The overall number of deaths across security incidents reportedly stood at 640, compared with 396 recorded in September.The United Nations also reported that nearly 64,000 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria to Niger since the beginning of 2026, while several hundred others crossed into neighbouring Benin Republic.Atiku called on the Tinubu administration to strengthen security operations in affected communities and provide adequate humanitarian assistance to displaced persons. He also urged the government to collaborate with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations to address the growing displacement crisis.

He insisted that protecting lives and property must remain the government’s foremost responsibility, adding that Nigerians deserved a clear explanation of the measures being implemented to end the killings and restore security.

The ADC presidential candidate further challenged President Tinubu to accept responsibility for the deteriorating security situation rather than continue offering explanations and assurances, insisting that Nigerians needed concrete action and improved security instead of another round of promises.