Calls for State of Emergency Amid Escalating Violence in Nigeria
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the federal government to declare a security emergency in Nigeria, citing alarming attacks on educational institutions that threaten the nation’s development and stability. His appeal follows increasing violence attributed to terrorist groups and bandits, which he argues is undermining both safety and educational progress in the country.
Atiku Abubakar expressed his dismay over the recent assault on a public secondary school in Iluke Bunu, Kogi State, where three individuals, including the vice principal, were killed, and several students were abducted. He highlighted that this incident is part of a troubling trend aimed at destabilizing the educational sector, ultimately jeopardizing futures for countless students.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has also voiced concerns, urging President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency. They warn that escalating violence, kidnappings, and banditry pose a profound threat to Nigeria’s social and economic health, with millions at risk as insecurity spreads across multiple regions.
A coalition of civil society organizations, labor groups, and youth activists announced a nationwide protest for June 12, coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The protest aims to highlight pressing issues such as worsening security, rampant hunger, and deepening economic hardship affecting millions of citizens. They point to official inaction as a significant contributor to the prevailing climate of fear and instability.
Elder statesman Umar Aziya echoed these sentiments, cautioning that Nigeria’s security issues could escalate into a national crisis if citizens fail to actively participate in addressing the situation. He stressed that government efforts alone cannot remedy the growing challenges unless communities come together to support these initiatives.
Atiku called for the establishment of a National Guard composed of military veterans to bolster the efforts of overwhelmed security forces. He emphasized the necessity for enhanced human intelligence and community vigilance in counteracting terrorist activities, noting that grassroots involvement is crucial for effective security solutions.
NEF representatives criticized the government’s failure to protect its citizens adequately, citing a rise in criminal enterprises fueled by inadequate law enforcement and poor coordination among security agencies. They highlighted that ongoing violence not only disrupts education but also damages agricultural output and exacerbates poverty, threatening the very fabric of Nigerian society.
