The African Democratic Congress has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency in Katsina and Zamfara following the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where dozens of worshippers and villagers were reportedly killed.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party, the publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the killings as evidence of Nigeria’s failing security system and linked them to a broader wave of attacks across Katsina and Zamfara that have claimed over 140 lives in just two months.
The party demanded an urgent State of Emergency in both states and called for a full review of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
ADC urged the Federal Government to act immediately, warning that President Tinubu’s international engagements are meaningless if citizens remain unprotected at home.
The ADC also criticised the decision by PDP governors to hold a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the killings, describing it as insensitive to the victims and their families.
The party highlighted that in Malumfashi, 30 worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, while 20 villagers were burned alive in their homes.
It said the attacks follow similar massacres in Zamfara, where dozens were killed, including hostages murdered even after ransom was paid. Entire villages have reportedly been ransacked and dozens abducted.
The party also noted the lack of direct condolence or assurances of safety for survivors, calling it a failure of leadership.
“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.