Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, warning that persistent attacks on schools by terrorists and bandits are fast becoming a major threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term development.
Atiku made the call following the recent attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where gunmen reportedly killed three persons, including the school’s vice principal, and abducted several students.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the former vice president described the attack as a national embarrassment and evidence of a worsening security crisis that requires urgent and extraordinary measures.
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“The latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action,” Atiku said.
He argued that the increasing frequency of attacks on educational institutions suggests a deliberate attempt by criminal groups to disrupt learning, spread fear among parents and teachers, and undermine the country’s future.
According to him, the Federal Government should consider a security-focused state of emergency that would grant military commanders greater operational flexibility to confront terrorists and bandits.
“It is high time the Federal Government declared a state of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively against these monsters,” he stated.
Atiku clarified that his proposal does not involve suspending elected officials or altering democratic governance structures.
“I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have a freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference,” he added.
The Waziri Adamawa linked the Kogi attack to a broader pattern of assaults on schools across the country. He referenced recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states, warning that criminal groups appear determined to cripple the education sector.
“Learning can only take place in a safe environment, and terrorist attacks on schools are increasingly making our schools dangerous places,” he said.
“Under no circumstances should we allow terrorists or bandits to destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school.”
Atiku also proposed the establishment of a National Guard made up of retired military personnel to support the armed forces and police, arguing that security agencies are overstretched.
He further called for stronger intelligence gathering and community participation in security efforts.
His remarks come amid growing national concern over attacks on schools and the broader security challenges facing the country.
