By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in parts of the country, particularly Kwara State, accusing the Federal Government of failing to respond with urgency as attacks escalate.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday, the opposition party expressed concern that the President was in Argungu, Kebbi State, attending a fishing festival while insecurity deepened in parts of the country.
The ADC cited what it described as credible reports indicating that nearly 1,300 Nigerians had been killed in the past 41 days, saying citizens were being left to bear the brunt of terror attacks.
The party also raised alarm over a video allegedly released by terrorists in connection with recent abductions in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. According to the ADC, the video challenges official figures regarding the number of kidnapped victims.
It further referenced fresh reports of suspected terrorist activity in Patigi Local Government Area, warning that the southern part of Kwara had been under sustained pressure from armed groups since last year.
The ADC argued that the unfolding situation in Kwara should not be treated as isolated, noting that the Kaiama axis provides a strategic link into Oyo State and could create wider vulnerabilities across parts of the North Central and South-West if insurgent activities persist.
The party expressed concern that when non-state actors publicly contradict official casualty or abduction figures, it signals what it described as a weakening of deterrence and growing confidence among terror groups. It warned that kidnapping risks becoming further entrenched as a commercial enterprise if ransom payments continue, even indirectly.
Reiterating its longstanding position, the ADC cautioned against ransom payments, saying such actions could strengthen the criminal networks sustaining mass abductions.
The party called on the Federal Government to immediately undertake what it described as decisive steps, including mounting a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of abducted victims, issuing a transparent public briefing to clarify discrepancies in victim figures, conducting a security audit of the Kaiama and Kainji Lake forest corridor, and strengthening interstate security coordination across Kwara, Niger and Oyo states.
It also urged regular and credible public communication to counter terrorist propaganda and restore public confidence.
The ADC said it would continue to hold the Federal Government accountable while supporting efforts aimed at combating terrorism and securing the country.
