Atiku tells FG to declare state of emergency on insecurity

Atiku Urges Federal Government to Declare State of Emergency on Insecurity

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong call to the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity following yet another tragic incident of mass abduction.

Atiku’s statement comes in response to the attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, in the early hours of November 21, 2025.

According to reports, gunmen stormed the Catholic-owned school in large numbers, arriving on more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van. They abducted an unspecified number of pupils, leaving the community in shock and despair. 

This brazen assault adds to the growing list of violent attacks across Nigeria, underscoring the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku expressed deep sorrow and frustration, lamenting the repeated tragedies that continue to plague Nigerian communities. He wrote: “Not again. This is truly heartbreaking. How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves.”

Atiku’s statement highlights the urgency of Nigeria’s security crisis, which has seen schools, religious institutions, and communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups. His call for a state of emergency reflects the growing demand for decisive government intervention to restore peace and protect citizens from further harm.

The attack in Papiri is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has destabilized many regions. Atiku’s intervention adds weight to the chorus of voices urging the government to prioritize security as a matter of national survival. His appeal is both a condemnation of the current state of affairs and a plea for immediate, extraordinary measures to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

Atiku’s call serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis. The abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State is emblematic of the broader challenges facing the nation, and his demand for a state of emergency underscores the need for urgent, comprehensive action to confront the menace of armed violence.