Atiku calls for urgent action against school attacks

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also a presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. He warned that the rising attacks on schools by terrorists and bandits could seriously harm Nigeria’s education sector and hinder national progress.

Atiku made this call after the latest attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Gunmen killed three people, including the Vice Principal of the school, and kidnapped several students.

The former Vice President said the ongoing attacks on schools show a clear plan to disrupt learning and spread fear among students, teachers, and parents.

“The latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a huge national embarrassment that needs urgent and serious action,” Atiku said in a statement released by his media office in Abuja on Wednesday.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s worsening security situation needs strong measures, including declaring a state of emergency aimed at security operations.

“It is time for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency to give commanders more freedom to act decisively against these criminals in the country,” he said.

Atiku clarified that his proposal does not mean removing or suspending elected state officials. He emphasized that the goal is to enhance security measures, not change the democratic system.

“I am not calling for the removal of elected officials, but I want commanders to have more freedom to make battlefield decisions without political interference,” he added.

The ADC presidential candidate expressed worry that attacks on schools are happening more often. He cited recent incidents in Oyo and Borno states. On May 15, at least 90 schoolchildren were reportedly kidnapped in separate attacks in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State, while the principal of the school in Oriire was killed.

He stated that these attacks show a dangerous strategy by criminal groups to destabilize the country’s education system.

“Learning can only happen in a safe environment, and terrorist attacks on schools are making our schools unsafe. The fear and trauma that follow these attacks will make the school environment unsafe for both students and teachers.

“Under no circumstances should we let terrorists or bandits destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school,” Atiku stated.

He also warned that attacks on schools have effects that go beyond the immediate areas affected.

“A terrorist attack on one school is a threat to schools everywhere in the country because of its domino effect,” he said.

To address the security crisis, Atiku proposed setting up a National Guard made up of retired military veterans to assist the armed forces and police.

He noted that security agencies are currently overstretched and lack enough personnel, making it important to find additional structures to boost internal security.

The former Vice President also called for better intelligence gathering and more community involvement in fighting insecurity.

“Our communities have a big role to play in sharing information and being vigilant,” he said, advocating for stronger intelligence capabilities to track terrorist and bandit movements.

Nigeria has faced a series of attacks on schools over the last decade, especially in the North-East and North-West regions, where mass kidnappings of students have raised national and international alarms.

Security experts have warned that ongoing attacks on educational institutions could worsen school enrolment issues, disrupt learning, and threaten long-term human capital development across the country.