Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating insecurity across Nigeria. His plea comes amid growing concerns about violent attacks, abductions, and the seeming inability of security agencies to effectively contain the rising threats to the lives of ordinary citizens.
Reaction to Niger State Abduction
Atiku’s statement follows a horrific incident in Niger State, where over 50 students and staff were abducted from St. Mary Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area. The abduction, carried out by armed terrorists, has sparked widespread outrage and concern, highlighting the continued vulnerability of educational institutions and communities to violent attacks across the country.
In his response, Atiku emphasized that such acts of violence are not isolated events but part of a disturbing pattern of insecurity affecting multiple states, leaving citizens living in fear and uncertainty about their safety and that of their families.
Criticism of Federal Government Response
On his Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep concern over what he described as the federal government’s inadequate response to the nation’s growing security crisis. He questioned why decisive measures have not yet been implemented to prevent further tragedies and protect vulnerable citizens, warning that delay only emboldens perpetrators and further erodes public trust in government institutions.
He urged the federal government to prioritize security and take immediate, concrete actions to demonstrate commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians. According to Atiku, the time for rhetoric has passed, and the situation requires urgent, bold, and strategic intervention.
Heartbreaking Incident
Describing the recent abduction in Niger State as “heartbreaking,” Atiku highlighted the human cost of recurring attacks, noting that innocent lives are being destroyed and communities destabilized on a daily basis. He stressed that the government must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and restore citizens’ confidence in the state’s ability to protect them.
He wrote: “Not again. This is truly heartbreaking. How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency in insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves. Every day of delay increases the risk to innocent Nigerians and allows these violent actors to operate with impunity.”
Atiku also called for a comprehensive national strategy that addresses both the immediate threats posed by kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents, as well as the underlying causes of insecurity, such as unemployment, poverty, and weak governance structures. He emphasized that only through urgent, coordinated, and sustained action can Nigeria hope to restore peace and stability to its citizens.
His statement has resonated widely on social media, with citizens and civil society organizations echoing his call for stronger, immediate measures to tackle the escalating security challenges, particularly in regions most affected by violent attacks.