ADC to Tinubu: Cancel foreign trips, declare emergency in Katsina, Zamfara over killings

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the recent massacre in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina state — where over 30 worshippers were killed in a mosque.

Earlier this month, a report stated that 144 people have been kidnapped, 24 killed and 16 injured across several LGAs in Zamfara.

The opposition coalition described the spate of attacks as a sign that Nigeria’s security architecture is crumbling.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, its national publicity secretary, the ADC said “over 140 lives” have been lost in Zamfara and Katsina in two months.

The party called on President Bola Tinubu to halt his international travels and declare a state of emergency in the affected states.

ADC also criticised the decision by governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform to hold a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the killings, calling it insensitive and disrespectful to the victims.

“The carnage in Katsina and Zamfara is a damning proof of the collapse of our national security architecture,” the statement reads.

“President Tinubu’s failure to address the nation or console victims’ families is unacceptable.

“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 victims or given the assurance of safety to those still alive.”

The party asked the federal government to urgently review Nigeria’s security framework, noting that the chief of defence staff’s recent advice to citizens underscores the severity of the crisis.

“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.