Key Points

• ADC said insecurity in Katsina and Zamfara proves Nigeria’s security system has collapsed.

• The party accused Tinubu of neglecting domestic crises for foreign trips.

• ADC demanded a state of emergency and sweeping security reforms.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara. The party warned that the wave of killings in the two northern states shows Nigeria’s security system has collapsed.

In the past two months, more than 140 people have been killed in the states, according to figures cited by the party.

Wave of deadly attacks

The ADC pointed to the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina, where gunmen stormed a mosque and killed 30 worshippers before burning 20 villagers alive.

In Zamfara, at least 47 people were killed in separate attacks, including 38 villagers murdered even after ransom was paid.

“These tragic and senseless killings are unacceptable and intolerable,” the party said in a statement.

Tinubu under fire

The opposition party accused President Tinubu of paying more attention to foreign trips than to the worsening security situation at home.

“Instead of treating these tragedies with urgency, the president is busy jetting around for photo opportunities,” the ADC said.

It also condemned comments by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, who told Nigerians to learn self-defense.

According to the party, such remarks amount to an admission that the government can no longer protect its citizens.

Call for urgent reforms

The ADC urged Tinubu not only to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara but also to push for a complete overhaul of the security sector, including the military, police and intelligence agencies.

“The government must act decisively. Citizens cannot continue living at the mercy of terrorists,” the party said.