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 a wave of mass killings that have claimed over 140 lives in the past two months.
In a statement issued by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party cited a recent horrific massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina, where gunmen killed 30 worshippers in a mosque and burned 20 villagers alive. This tragedy, according to the ADC, underscores the collapse of Nigeria’s national security framework.
The party criticized President Tinubu for neglecting the escalating security crisis amid his frequent travels abroad. "Instead of confronting these urgent 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 statement read.
Further, the ADC expressed disappointment that the President had not addressed the nation or offered condolences to the families of victims. The party described this negligence as unacceptable and contrasted it with the expected response from leaders in the countries the President visits.
The ADC demanded an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara until order is restored and the bloodshed halted. It also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s defense system, highlighting recent comments by the Chief of Defence Staff who advised citizens to learn self-defense skills—a reflection of the prevailing insecurity.
Additionally, the party condemned the decision by some PDP governors to hold a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after mass killings occurred there, calling it insensitive and disrespectful to the victims’ memory.
The ADC concluded by condemning both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP for failing Nigerians, accusing both parties of prioritizing power and politics over the safety and wellbeing of the people.
The call by the ADC adds to mounting pressure on the federal government to take decisive action to address the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s northern states.