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 renewed waves of killings that have left more than 140 people dead in two months.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 24, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina, where worshippers were shot in a mosque and villagers burned alive, reflected a total collapse of Nigeria’s security system.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply outraged and concerned by the recent massacre in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, and 20 villagers were burned alive in their homes,” the statement read.
The party linked the incident to a wider pattern of attacks in Katsina and Zamfara, noting that dozens of Nigerians were also recently slaughtered in Zamfara, including hostages murdered after ransom payments.
“Taken together, over 140 Nigerians have been murdered in just two months in Katsina and Zamfara alone,” it said.
ADC accused the President of neglecting urgent domestic challenges while pursuing foreign trips.
READ ALSO: 181 Days Abroad: ADC Slams Tinubu’s ‘Junket Presidency’
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
The party also criticised Tinubu’s silence over the killings.
“It is equally appalling to note that President Tinubu has not made a direct statement of condolence to family of victims or given the assurance of safety to those still alive,” it said.
ADC therefore demanded immediate action. “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 party further called for a re-evaluation of the nation’s security structure, describing it as incapable of protecting lives and property.
“The recent call by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for citizens to acquire self-defence skills is perhaps the most honest indicator yet that there is a need to rethink the entire internal defence system,” the statement added.