By Rafiyat Sadiq
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara states, following a string of violent attacks that have claimed more than 140 lives in the past two months.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the killings were evidence of Nigeria’s collapsed security system and condemned the federal government’s handling of the crisis.
ADC expressed outrage over the recent massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were shot dead inside a mosque and 20 villagers burnt alive in their homes. It also linked the tragedy to other violent incidents in Zamfara, including the killing of 47 people, 38 of whom were executed after ransom had been paid.
“This evil act epitomises the horrors that Nigerians have been forced to endure under this administration. It is also a damning proof of the total collapse of our national security architecture, which has prompted even the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to ask citizens to learn how to defend themselves,” the party stated.
ADC criticised President Tinubu for neglecting pressing domestic issues in favour of international trips.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of confronting these national tragedies with the seriousness they demand, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to jet-set across the world, chasing photo-ops, while his people are dying in dozens at home,” the party said.
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The opposition party also faulted governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for holding a political meeting in Zamfara days after the massacre.
“Instead of rallying around their beleaguered colleague to help stop the orgy of killings, they chose to stage a political rally at the scene of mass murder. The photos of PDP governors in full ceremonial robes, grinning for the camera, are totally out of place in an environment that still reeks of blood and sorrow,” ADC stated.
Beyond its demand for a state of emergency, the party called for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The recent call by the Chief of Defence Staff for citizens to acquire self-defence skills is perhaps the most honest indicator yet that there is need to rethink the entire internal defence system,” the statement read.
ADC further accused both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP of placing politics above the welfare of citizens.
“Neither the ruling APC nor the incurably afflicted PDP care about the people and their suffering. They only care about power and politics,” it said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
