Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed sorrow and condemnation following the tragic death of Professor Yusuf Saidu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Suspected bandits attacked and killed Prof. Saidu on Monday while he was traveling from Sokoto to Kaduna.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account, Atiku Abubakar expressed his deep condolences and highlighted the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
“The murder of Professor Yusuf Saidu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodio University by bandits on his way to Kaduna from Sokoto and Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (retd) in Abuja are yet another reminder of the escalating state of insecurity in our country,” he wrote.
Atiku emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to address the increasing violence and loss of life. “We need to be deliberate about stemming the tide of insecurity that has led to the avoidable loss of precious lives,” he stated.
He lamented the loss of both Prof. Saidu and Brigadier General Udokwere, who was killed by criminal elements in Abuja last weekend, and stressed that such incidents highlight the critical need for a new security strategy.
“The only way to avert this is by rejigging our security architecture and enthroning a new regime that will best serve our security needs and assure the protection of lives and property,” Atiku asserted.
Expressing his condolences, Atiku added, “On behalf of my family, I express my deepest condolences to the families of Udokwere and Saidu. My condolences also go to the Nigerian Army and the management, staff, and students of the Usman Dan Fodio University. May the souls of Prof. Saidu and Brig. Gen Udokwere find eternal rest.”