Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Atiku made the demand on Friday in a statement posted on his Facebook page while reacting to the abduction of more than 50 students and staff in Niger State.
The incident, which occurred at St. Mary Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, has once again drawn attention to the persistent wave of kidnappings affecting communities, schools, and highways across the country. According to eyewitness reports, terrorists stormed the school early in the morning, overpowering security guards and taking away scores of victims. The attack has left many families in distress, with parents unsure of the fate of their children.
Atiku described the latest abduction as “heartbreaking,” saying the country cannot continue to watch innocent citizens suffer violent attacks without a strong and urgent response from the Federal Government.
“Not again. This is truly heartbreaking. How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken?” he wrote. The former Vice President stressed that the government must act now by declaring a national state of emergency to confront insecurity with the seriousness it deserves. “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,” he added.
Nigeria has battled severe insecurity for more than a decade, with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping becoming major threats across many states. While Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active in the North-East, armed bandits have spread across the North-West and North-Central regions. These groups raid villages, abduct schoolchildren, attack motorists, and demand huge ransoms.
Kidnapping for ransom has also become widespread in other parts of the country, affecting traders, farmers, school pupils, traditional rulers, and even security personnel. Many Nigerians say criminal groups have grown bolder, targeting schools and communities with little fear of arrest.
The latest attack in Niger State is one of several the country has recorded in recent weeks. Earlier this week, gunmen abducted students in Kebbi State. In several northern states, schools have been forced to shut down because of threats from armed groups. These recurring incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of students, especially in rural communities where security presence is weak.
Atiku Abubakar, who contested against President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently raised concerns about the country’s growing insecurity. His latest demand reflects the widespread frustration many Nigerians feel as violent attacks continue despite government assurances.
Declaring a state of emergency on insecurity would allow the Federal Government to deploy more resources, reorganise security operations, and possibly introduce stronger measures across affected states. It may also lead to improved coordination among the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, and local security outfits.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly said it is committed to improving national security. Since taking office, President Tinubu has appointed new service chiefs, strengthened intelligence-sharing efforts, and increased military operations in many troubled states. The government has also held several security meetings with governors and traditional rulers.
Despite these efforts, many Nigerians believe the results are still far from satisfactory. Attacks continue in remote towns, farming communities, and schools, leaving citizens wondering when safety will return. Critics say the government must do more to regain control of large rural territories where armed groups operate freely.
The recent abductions have also led to fear among school operators, especially in the North. Some private schools have introduced new security measures, while others have reduced school hours or suspended operations completely.
The repeated kidnappings of students have had a damaging effect on education across the northern region. Since the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls, more schools have been targeted, including those in Dapchi, Kagara, Tegina, Kuriga, and now Papiri. Many parents worry about sending their children to school, and some communities have seen a decline in school enrolment as a result.
Aside from education, insecurity has affected farming, transportation, and daily economic activities. Farmers in several states cannot access their farmlands due to fear of bandit attacks, contributing to rising food prices nationwide. Traders and transporters often avoid certain highways known for frequent kidnappings.
Atiku’s call for a state of emergency adds to growing pressure on the Federal Government to take stronger action. Many Nigerians want immediate steps to rescue the kidnapped students and prevent further attacks. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and community groups have also renewed calls for better policing, more investment in security technology, and reforms in the justice system.
