Atiku: Benue Is Bleeding Under Tinubu, Insecurity Driving Up Food Prices

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the security situation in Benue State as a crisis that is threatening food production and worsening the cost of living across Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement, said Benue, widely regarded as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” was “bleeding” as farmers and communities continue to suffer the consequences of insecurity.

He cited an Amnesty International report which, according to him, recorded 6,896 deaths in Benue State within the first two years of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Behind that figure are farmers who never returned from their farms, families driven from their ancestral homes, and communities emptied by fear,” Atiku said.

He warned that insecurity in Benue was not merely a security problem, arguing that farmers being forced off their land would ultimately affect the prices of food commodities across the country.

“When Benue cannot farm, Nigeria cannot eat cheaply,” he said, noting that insecurity contributes to higher prices of yam, rice, beans, vegetables and meat.

Atiku also spoke from his experience as a farmer, saying his farms had suffered theft and disruption as a result of insecurity.

“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 questioned the Federal Government’s management of resources following the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that Nigerians were told the policy would free resources for development and security.

He also referenced figures attributed to the Nigeria Customs Service showing about ₦34 trillion in import-duty exemption approvals in 2025, with a substantial portion reportedly linked to military hardware.

Atiku consequently asked the government: “Where is the security? Where are the results?”

He maintained that the crisis in Benue could be resolved through a combination of effective security measures, protection of farmers and livestock owners, punishment of criminals and reconciliation among communities.

According to him, “criminality has no tribe,” stressing that both farmers and livestock owners must be protected while criminals are held accountable.

Atiku said he had previously helped broker peace between Tiv and Fulani communities and remained convinced that peaceful coexistence was achievable.

He made the remarks while receiving ADC candidates contesting various elective positions in Benue State, charging them to see their mission as extending beyond electoral victory.

He said their responsibility should include protecting lives, restoring livelihoods, reviving Benue’s agricultural potential and making life more affordable for Nigerians.

“Tinubu removed the subsidy. Nigerians paid the price. Government got the resources. Benue should not still be paying with blood,” Atiku said.