The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States, following a surge in violent attacks that have claimed over 140 lives in the past two months.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the killings as evidence of a total breakdown in Nigeria’s security architecture and criticized the Federal Government’s response to the crisis.
“This evil act epitomises the horrors that 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 ADC cited the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State – where 30 worshippers were reportedly shot dead in a mosque and 20 villagers burned alive – as well as the killing of 47 people in Zamfara, including 38 victims allegedly executed despite ransom payments.
The party also criticized President Tinubu for what it described as misplaced priorities, accusing him of focusing on foreign engagements while domestic insecurity worsens.
“It is disheartening that instead of confronting these tragedies with the seriousness they demand, President Tinubu continues to travel abroad, chasing photo-ops, while citizens are dying in droves,” the statement read.
In addition, the ADC condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for holding a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the attacks, calling their actions “deeply insensitive.”
Beyond the call for emergency measures, the party demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework, citing recent remarks by the CDS encouraging citizens to arm themselves as a troubling sign.
“The recent advice by the CDS for citizens to arm themselves is perhaps the clearest indication yet that our internal defence system needs urgent reform,” the ADC stated.
The party concluded by accusing both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP of prioritizing politics over the welfare of Nigerians.
“Neither the APC nor the PDP genuinely cares about the people. Their obsession with power and politics has blinded them to the pain and suffering of Nigerians,” the statement added.
