Declare State Of Emergency In Katsina,  Zamfara States – ADC Urges Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the massacre of dozens of worshippers and villagers in Malumfashi, Katsina State, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency in Katsina and Zamfara State.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary of the ADC on Sunday issued a statement, and  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.

It demanded that a State of Emergency should be declared in both States by the President Tinubu administration, and called for a full review of Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The statement reads, “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.

The Party further criticised the decision by the Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to hold a political meeting in Zamfara State shortly after the killings, describing it as insensitive to the victims and their families.

It highlighted that in Malumfashi 30 worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, while 20 villagers were burnt alive in their homes.

The ADC stated the attacks follow similar massacres in Zamfara, where dozens were killed, including hostages murdered even after ransom was paid.

“The entire villages have reportedly been ransacked and dozens abducted”.

The ADC called on the Federal Government to act immediately, warning that President Tinubu’s international engagements are meaningless if citizens remain unprotected at home.

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.

The party further 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.