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 recent surge of deadly attacks that have claimed over 140 lives within two months. The party condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were killed during mosque prayers and 20 villagers were burnt in their homes.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, described the violence as evidence of Nigeria’s failing security system. “This brutal attack is a stark reminder of the collapsed national security architecture, forcing citizens to fend for themselves,” Abdullahi said in a statement. He highlighted the broader wave of terror hitting both Katsina and Zamfara, with recent attacks including the murder of 38 hostages despite ransom payments.
The ADC criticised President Tinubu for prioritising international travels over national security issues. “While Nigerians suffer daily mortal dangers, the President continues jet-setting across the globe pursuing photo opportunities. Diplomacy abroad is meaningless if safety at home cannot be guaranteed,” Abdullahi stressed. He also noted the absence of any direct condolences from the President to the victims’ families or assurances to those still in danger.
Demanding immediate action, the ADC urged, “A State of Emergency must be declared in the affected states until stability returns.” The party also called for a thorough overhaul of the country’s security framework, pointing to the Chief of Defence Staff’s recent advice for citizens to learn self-defence as confirmation that current strategies are failing.
Furthermore, the ADC condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ decision to hold a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the massacre. Abdullahi criticised this as “insensitive and disrespectful to the victims,” adding, “Their display of political pageantry amid mourning shows that neither the ruling APC nor the PDP prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, only power politics.”
