The Labour Party (LP) has expressed deep condolences to the people of Katsina State following the massacre of worshippers in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area, describing the incident as another tragic reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, the party condemned the killing of 30 Muslims during morning prayers, the burning alive of more than 20 others in their homes, and the abduction of 76 villagers by suspected bandits. The abducted victims were later confirmed rescued.
The LP also sympathised with Katsina’s Acting Governor, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, community leaders, and families of the victims. It noted that residents of at least 16 communities in the state had subsequently been forced to pay a ₦15 million levy to bandits, while farmers were restricted to working on their land only between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. under threats of abduction or death.
Citing Nigeria’s soaring defence and police budgets, the party lamented that insecurity has persisted despite heavy government spending. It accused successive administrations of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to decisively confront terrorism, likening the death toll from violent crimes in Nigeria to casualties in war-torn Ukraine.
The statement further criticised National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for failing to provide proactive security intelligence, urging him to “take a refresher course in counter-insurgency” or resign.
“The principal function of government is the security of lives and property. If President Tinubu cannot guarantee this, he should sack Ribadu, reconfigure the armed services, and step up, or do Nigerians a patriotic favour by stepping down himself,” the LP declared.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to a Nigeria where lives, property, freedom of worship, and livelihoods are protected without fear of terror or criminality.
