In the wake of escalating insecurity across Nigeria, former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security matters. He argued that the current approach has failed to curb the rising tide of attacks by terrorists and bandits, which now threaten the nation’s educational system.
Speaking after a recent assault on Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where three individuals—including the school’s vice principal—were killed and many students kidnapped, Atiku expressed deep concern. He noted that such incidents are part of a broader pattern designed to cripple education and hinder national progress.
Referencing earlier attacks, including the abduction of at least 90 school children in Oyo and Borno states in May 2026, the politician emphasized that the brazen nature of these operations demands immediate and decisive action. He stressed that a safe learning environment is essential for education to thrive.
Atiku clarified that his proposal for a security state of emergency does not entail the suspension of elected state officials. Instead, he advocated for empowering field commanders with greater autonomy to make swift decisions without political interference. “I am not calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather for commanders to have a freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions,” he stated.
He further proposed the establishment of a national guard composed of retired military veterans to assist the overstretched police and armed forces. Additionally, Atiku called for enhanced human intelligence gathering and increased community vigilance to track terrorist movements. “Our communities must play a vital role in information sharing and constant alertness,” he added.
The ADC candidate warned that a terrorist attack on any school poses a threat to all schools nationwide due to the domino effect, creating widespread fear and trauma. He insisted that Nigeria must not allow criminals to destroy its way of life or prevent children from attending school.