The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States, following a wave of violent attacks that have claimed over 140 lives in the last two months.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the killings as clear evidence of a total collapse of Nigeria’s security system and faulted the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.
The ADC condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where gunmen reportedly killed 30 worshippers inside a mosque and set 20 villagers ablaze in their homes.
It also cited the murder of 47 people in Zamfara, including 38 victims executed even after ransom payments had been made.
“This evil act epitomises the horrors Nigerians have been forced to endure under this administration. It is also damning proof of the collapse of our national security, prompting even the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to urge citizens to learn self-defence,” Abdullahi said.
The party accused President Tinubu of misplaced priorities, claiming he has continued to embark on foreign trips while insecurity worsens at home.
“It is disheartening that instead of addressing these tragedies with the urgency they demand, President Tinubu is abroad chasing photo opportunities while Nigerians are being killed in droves,” the statement read.
The ADC also criticised governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for convening a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the mass killings.
“Rather than standing in solidarity with their grieving colleague and community, they staged a political rally in a town still reeling from bloodshed. Their smiling photo ops are deeply insensitive,” the party noted.
Beyond its call for a state of emergency, the ADC demanded a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The recent advice by the CDS for citizens to arm themselves is perhaps the clearest indication yet that our internal defence system requires urgent reform,” it stressed.
The party further accused both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP of abandoning the people in pursuit of power.
“Neither the APC nor the PDP genuinely cares about Nigerians. Their obsession with politics has blinded them to the pain and suffering of the people,” Abdullahi added.
