The African Democratic Congress has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara states following fresh killings that left scores of worshippers and villagers dead in Malumfashi, Katsina State.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the latest attacks were further proof of Nigeria’s failing security architecture. He said the North-West has witnessed a resurgence of bandit violence, with more than 140 people killed in Katsina and Zamfara in the last two months alone.
According to the party, the Malumfashi incident saw 30 worshippers shot dead inside a mosque during dawn prayers, while 20 villagers were burned alive in their homes. The ADC said the killings mirror similar tragedies in Zamfara, where hostages were reportedly executed despite ransom payments, entire villages were ransacked and dozens of people abducted.
“In view of the foregoing, ADC therefore calls for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara until the government is able to stem the tide of bloodshed in those places and restore some order,” Abdullahi said.
The party criticised what it described as the federal government’s negligence, pointing out that President Tinubu has yet to personally address the victims’ families or issue a strong statement of condolence. “It is disheartening to note that instead of confronting these urgent national tragedies, President Tinubu continues to jet-set across the world chasing photo-ops while his people are dying at home,” the statement read.
The ADC also faulted the decision of PDP governors to hold a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the killings, describing it as insensitive to grieving communities.
Abdullahi added that the recent advice by the Chief of Defence Staff for citizens to learn self-defence underscores the collapse of Nigeria’s security system and the urgent need for structural reforms. “This evil act epitomises the horrors Nigerians are forced to endure under this administration,” he said.
The party warned that Nigeria risks sliding further into chaos if decisive measures are not taken.
