The Labour Party has condemned the massacre in Unguwar Mantau village, Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were killed during morning prayers, more than 20 residents were burnt alive in their homes, and 76 villagers were abducted.
Although some abductees have since been rescued, the party described the tragedy as further proof of the collapse of Nigeria’s security system.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Tony Akeni, said the Katsina State chapter of the party reported that within 48 hours of the killings, bandits attacked over a dozen other communities, imposed a ₦15 million levy, and restricted farmers to working only between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. under threat of death.
“Despite families already paying so-called protection fees, kidnappings and raids continue unchecked. Communities are emptying, not because of famine, but because of fear,” Akeni said.
He noted that in 2025, the Federal Government allocated ₦6.57 trillion to defence, yet insecurity persists at levels worse than in countries officially at war.
“What Nigerians get in return are condolence visits, empty promises, and leaders more visible at funerals than on the frontline of security,” he said.
The statement cautioned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, against merely appearing at burials and issuing sympathy statements, insisting that his job is to prevent attacks.
“If he cannot, he must step aside,” Akeni said.
He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accept responsibility as Commander-in-Chief.
“His primary duty is to safeguard Nigerian lives. If he cannot deliver this most basic obligation, he must act decisively—or resign,” the party said.
The Labour Party reiterated its solidarity with the people of Katsina and all Nigerians “under siege,” stressing that citizens deserve safety and security, not statistics.