In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the killings as evidence of a total breakdown in Nigeria’s security system and faulted the Federal Government’s response to the crisis.
The ADC condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where gunmen reportedly killed 30 worshippers in a mosque and set 20 villagers ablaze in their homes. It also cited the murder of 47 persons in Zamfara, including 38 victims allegedly executed despite ransom payments.
“This evil act epitomises the horrors that Nigerians have been forced to endure under this administration. It is also damning proof of the collapse of our national security, prompting even the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to urge citizens to learn self-defence,” Abdullahi stated.
The opposition party accused President Tinubu of neglecting pressing domestic crises while prioritising foreign trips and international appearances.
“It is disheartening that instead of confronting these tragedies with the seriousness they demand, President Tinubu continues to travel abroad, chasing photo-ops, while citizens are dying in droves,” the statement read.
The ADC also criticised governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for holding a political meeting in Zamfara soon after the attacks, describing their actions as “insensitive” and dismissive of the grief of victims’ families.
“Rather than standing in solidarity with their grieving colleague and community, they staged a political rally in a town still reeling from mass murder. Their ceremonial posturing and smiling photo ops are deeply insensitive,” the party noted.
Beyond its call for a state of emergency, the ADC demanded an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the CDS’ advice for citizens to arm themselves further underscored the gravity of the situation.
The party concluded by accusing both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP of prioritising politics over the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
“Neither the APC nor the PDP genuinely cares about the people. Their obsession with power and politics has blinded them to the pain and suffering of Nigerians,” the statement said.
