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 wave of violent attacks that have claimed more than 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 proof of a total collapse of Nigeria’s security architecture and faulted the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.
The ADC particularly condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were shot dead inside a mosque and 20 villagers burned alive in their homes. It also cited the killing of 47 persons in Zamfara, including 38 victims reportedly executed after ransom payments.
“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 party accused President Tinubu of neglecting domestic crises in favour of foreign trips.
“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.
The ADC also criticised governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for holding a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the killings.
“Rather than standing in solidarity with their grieving colleague and community, they staged a political rally in a town still reeling from mass murder. Their ceremonial posturing and smiling photo ops are deeply insensitive,” it said.
Beyond the call for a state of emergency, the party demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework.
“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 statement added.
The ADC concluded by accusing both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP of prioritising politics over the welfare of citizens.
“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 party declared.
