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 recent massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina, where dozens of people were reportedly killed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ADC Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the killings as evidence of Nigeria’s “failing security system.”
He linked the Malumfashi attack to a wider series of attacks across Katsina and Zamfara that have reportedly resulted in over 140 deaths in just two months.
The party called for an urgent state of emergency in both states and a complete review of Nigeria’s national security structure.
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Abdullahi stated, “In view of the foregoing, ADC therefore calls for an immediate declaration of a State of Emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States until the government is able to stem the tide of bloodshed in those places and restore some order.”
The ADC also criticized a recent political meeting held by PDP governors in Zamfara shortly after the killings, calling it insensitive to the victims’ families.
aThe party said that the Federal Government must act immediately, warning that President Tinubu’s international engagements are meaningless if citizens are not safe at home.
The ADC highlighted the lack of direct condolences from the government to the survivors, which it described as a “failure of leadership.”
The party specifically mentioned that in the Malumfashi attack, 30 worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, and 20 villagers were burned alive in their homes. It said these attacks followed similar massacres in Zamfara, where dozens were killed, including hostages murdered after their ransoms were paid.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of confronting these urgent national tragedies with the seriousness that 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.
“We wish to remind Mr. President that diplomacy abroad is meaningless if safety and security at home cannot be guaranteed.
“It is equally appalling to note that President Tinubu has not made a direct statement of condolence to family of the victims or given the assurance of safety to those still alive.
“This negligence would have been unthinkable in those countries that the President loves to visit,” the statement read in part.
In conclusion, the party warned that recent advice from the Chief of Defence Staff for citizens to learn self-defence underlines the need for systemic reforms.
“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 nation’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to ask citizens to learn how to defend themselves,” Abdullahi concluded.
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