Insecurity: Declare State Of Emergency Now – Atiku Tells Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the worsening security situation across the country.

Naija News reports that Atiku made the call on Wednesday through a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, following the recent attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

During the attack, gunmen reportedly killed three people, including the school’s vice principal, while several students were taken away by the attackers.

The former Vice President expressed concern over the growing wave of attacks on schools, saying the trend is no longer only about the loss of lives but also poses a serious threat to the country’s education system.

He noted that the latest incident is part of a worrying pattern of attacks targeting schools and educational institutions in different parts of Nigeria.

Atiku recalled that on May 15, dozens of schoolchildren were abducted in separate incidents in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State.

He also referred to reports that the principal of the school in Oriire was killed during the attack.

According to him, the repeated assaults on schools could have long-term effects on education and national development if urgent measures are not taken to stop them.

The former vice president therefore urged the Federal Government to declare an emergency on security matters to strengthen the fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating across the country.

Atiku explained that his call was not aimed at removing elected officials or altering democratic structures.

Instead, he said security commanders should be given greater operational freedom to make quick decisions and respond effectively to threats without unnecessary political interference.

“It is high time the Federal Government declared a statement of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the country.

“I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference,” he said.