The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security to address the growing threat of terrorism and banditry across the country.
Atiku made the call while reacting to the recent attack on a school in Kogi State, describing the incident as a threat to education and national development.
“It is high time the Federal Government declared a state of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the county,” Atiku said through his media office in a statement on Wednesday night.
According to the former vice president, there appears to be a pattern in the attacks on schools, which he said could undermine the country’s educational system and slow its progress.
He stated that the worsening security situation requires exceptional measures, stressing that security commanders should be given greater operational freedom to respond effectively to threats.
Atiku clarified that his proposal was not aimed at removing elected officials but at allowing security personnel to make battlefield decisions without undue political interference.
He said schools can only function effectively in a safe environment, noting that repeated attacks on educational institutions create fear and trauma for both students and teachers.
The ADC candidate warned that attacks on one school could have wider consequences for schools across the country, as they often generate anxiety beyond the immediate area of the incident.
As part of efforts to improve security, Atiku proposed the establishment of a national guard made up of retired military personnel to support the work of the armed forces and the police, which he said are overstretched.
He also called for stronger intelligence gathering and greater cooperation from local communities, stressing the importance of information sharing in combating terrorism and other security threats.
