By Emmanuel Kwada
In a heartfelt open letter addressed to Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Ishaku Abbo has raised alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram, ISWAP attacks in Madagali, Hong and Garkida Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State.
The letter, dated May 18, 2025, paints a grim picture of relentless violence, with Hong LGA alone suffering 11 attacks since January 2025, claiming over 73 lives.
Senator Abbo, representing Adamawa North, described the attacks as having become so frequent that they risk being normalized as mere “paper reports” in security files.
Killing of our citizens is not normal and should not be treated as such
He condemned the killings as unacceptable, citing Section 14.2B of Nigeria’s Constitution, which mandates the government’s primary responsibility as the security and welfare of citizens.
“Killing of our citizens is not normal and should not be treated as such,” he wrote, warning that failure in this duty equates to a failed government.
Highlighting a recent attack on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Gaya Ward of Hong LGA, Abbo revealed that 16 people were brutally killed, including a staunch supporter of NSA Ribadu from his ACN and PDP days and a prominent PDP loyalist who funded campaign posters for Governor Fintiri.
Both left behind grieving families, including widows and orphans. Expressing condolences, Abbo emphasized that “security is not politics, neither politics is security.”
Drawing on his personal connection to Ribadu, having served as his Personal Assistant for 30 months, Abbo clarified that his critique stems from concern, not political motives.
security is not politics, neither politics is security
He previously faced accusations of politicizing security when he raised similar concerns about attacks in Madagali LGA. Undeterred, he declared his duty as a senator to speak truth, even when unpopular.
Abbo criticized the current anti-Boko Haram strategy in Adamawa as ineffective, proposing the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) beyond Gaya, near the Borno State border overlooking Sambisa Forest.
He suggested clearing vast land, digging trenches, deploying surveillance cameras and drones, and launching a joint security operation to curb attacks. He urged Governor Fintiri to support infrastructure development and Ribadu to provide framework and personnel.
Written with “love and genuine concerns” for Nigeria and Adamawa, Abbo’s letter called for urgent action to protect citizens and prevent further loss of life. He prayed for the repose of the deceased, comfort for the bereaved, and provision for widows and orphans.
Hong LGA alone suffering 11 attacks since January 2025, claiming over 73 lives
As Adamawa grapples with escalating insecurity, Senator Abbo’s impassioned appeal underscores the need for decisive measures to restore peace. Further developments are anticipated as stakeholders respond to this clarion call.
The letter read in full:
“Your Excellency Governor and My boss and big brother NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu Sirs,
“I am constrained to write this letter to you sirs and I made it deliberately short so save you reading time because you two are very busy men.
“I am saddened again and again by the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on Hong LGA and Garkiida In Gombi LGAs of Adamawa state, more especially in HONG LGA where attacks from Boko Haram have become so rampant leaving dead men, women and children behind as survenirs.
“Sirs, these attacks which I believe you have th3m documented in your files as part of your daily security reports submission by the DSS to your respective offices have become too rampant that they have become NORMAL papers reports in our files.
“Sirs, these are not just normal papers neither am I sending you both a normal open letter today.
“Killing of our citizens is not normal and should not be treated as such neither should we ever get used to burying our heads.
“The PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT as enshrined in Section 14.2B of Nigeria constitution is SECURITY and WELFARE of the people. If therfore any government FAILED in her PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY that’s a FAILED GOVERNMENT.
“It is on record that from January 2025 to date May 2025 Boko Haram attacked Hong LGA alone 11 times killing over 73 people.
“One of such attacks was yesterday in the villages of Gaya ward where 16 people were killed including a well known Nuhu Ribadu follower right from his time as ACN and PDP days who always loved and believed in Mallam.
“He was brutally killed yesterday.
“Also among the deads is a prominent PDP supporter who uses his money to print posters for HE Governor Fintiri out of his love and conviction. He too was brutally killed leaving behind a widow and orphans.
“While I condole with both the Governor and the NSA for losing their God given supporters, I also condole with their families and the people of Hong.
“Security is not politics, neither politics is security.
“Few months ago, I spoke about same incessant attacks and killings by Boko Haram on Madagali and I was attacked and even accused of politicizing security more especially by the NSA supporters.
“For the record, none of you love NSA more than me because I was his PA for 30 months and I still visit his house not as an APC or PDP member visiting an NSA but as a younger brother visiting his elder and checking on the family more especially Ahmad who was a baby in my hands when I served his father as PA.
“The current strategy against Boko Haram in Adamawa state is NOT WORKING.
“I suggest that a camp like an FOB be established after Gaya borderline with Borno state overlooking Sambisa forest with vast land cleared, trenches dug and built, surveillance cameras and drones deployed and a joint security operation established as an FOB along those corridors to forestall future attacks and save lives of Out citizens.
“The Governor should support in such infrastructural establishment while the NSA help with both the framework and human resources.
“As a critical stakeholder in Nigeria today, and haven won elections to serve as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I owe citizens a duty to speak these truths even though it is not popular nor palatable.
“Once again I write this all sense of responsibility, love and genuine concerns for Nigeria, and Adamawa state.
“May the soul of the departed rest in Peace. May God comfort the bereaved and provide for the orphans and widows of the dead.
“Amen.”
Read Also: Adamawa Monarch Begs for Arms to Equip Hunters Against Boko Haram in Hong
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Abbo you was once a leader when people are dieing in madagali you have never condolences any family and you are busy calling fintiri and ribadu . Contribute your quarter abeg
abi oo.thank you