The Labour Party has expressed deep condolences to the families of victims of the Unguwar Mantau mosque massacre in Katsina State, describing the killings as another grim proof of Nigeria’s collapsing security under the APC-led government.
On Tuesday, August 19, heavily armed bandits invaded the community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, killing 30 worshippers during morning prayers, burning over 20 residents alive in their homes, and abducting 76 villagers. The abducted citizens, including women and children, were later rescued on Thursday, August 28.
“Hell-on-Earth” for Katsina Communities
According to information made available to Jungle-Journalist.Com, residents said farmers in the area can only access their farmlands between 8am and 1pm as dictated by bandits. Despite paying protection fees of ₦10,000 per household, bandits continue to raid villages, steal livestock, and abduct locals at will.
The Labour Party said the incident exposes the “hell-on-earth insecurity nightmares” faced by rural dwellers in Katsina and similar northern states, forcing thousands to flee their ancestral homes.
More Security Budgets, More Bloodshed
The party strongly criticised the APC-led federal government, describing the trend of rising security budgets with worsening insecurity as a national tragedy.
It noted that between 2016 and 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration spent US$9.9 billion on security, while Tinubu increased the 2025 defence budget to ₦6.57 trillion. Despite this, killings and mass abductions continue unabated.
Labour also questioned why the massacre could occur in Katsina, a state that hosts Natsinta Barracks, the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, 35 Battalion, DSS, Police Command, and NSCDC formations.
Nigeria Deadlier Than War-Torn Ukraine
The Labour Party compared Nigeria’s violent death tolls to war-torn Ukraine, stating that Nigeria records an average of 57 violent deaths daily, compared to Ukraine’s 50 daily deaths in its war with Russia.
“In five years alone, Nigeria lost over 101,000 citizens to terrorism and violent crimes – worse than some countries officially at war,” the party lamented.
Ribadu Under Fire, Tinubu Told to Step Down
Labour Party accused National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of reducing his office to condolence visits and funeral appearances.
“The NSA’s duty is not to wear agbada to burials, but to prevent attacks before they happen. If Ribadu has forgotten his role, he should take a refresher course,” the party declared.
The Interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, warned that if President Tinubu cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians, he should “sit up, sack Ribadu and reconfigure the armed forces – or patriotically step down himself.”
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