The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States following the recent spate of violent attacks that claimed dozens of lives, including worshippers inside a mosque.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the killings as a clear indication of a total collapse of Nigeria’s security system. He lamented that within just two months, over 140 people have been killed in the two states alone, with entire communities left in ruins.
According to reports, heavily armed gunmen stormed Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State during early morning prayers, killing about 30 worshippers and setting ablaze more than 20 houses, some with residents still trapped inside. Similar attacks in Zamfara have left scores of people dead, villages sacked, and many abducted — with some hostages executed even after ransom payments.
The ADC said it was deeply disturbing that while Nigerians were under siege at home, President Tinubu continued with foreign trips without addressing the nation or visiting affected families. The party described this posture as insensitive and unacceptable in the face of a national tragedy.
It also faulted recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff, who advised citizens to learn self-defence, saying the comment further highlighted the collapse of the country’s security architecture and government’s inability to protect lives.
The ADC demanded:
An immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara to restore order and reassure citizens of government’s commitment to their safety.
A comprehensive overhaul of the security framework to effectively confront the wave of killings, kidnappings, and terror ravaging communities.
“The scale of bloodshed in Katsina and Zamfara has reached a level that cannot be treated as routine. It is a national emergency, and only a decisive action by the Federal Government can restore hope and confidence,” the party stated.
