Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, warning that terrorists and bandits are now targeting the nation’s education sector in a calculated attempt to cripple future development.
Atiku expressed concern on Wednesday while reacting to the deadly 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.
The former Vice President noted that the Kogi incident comes barely weeks after the abduction of no fewer than 90 schoolchildren in separate attacks in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State, on May 15. He also recalled that the principal of the school in Oriire was reportedly beheaded by the attackers.
According to Atiku, the recurring attacks suggest a disturbing pattern aimed at undermining education and slowing the country’s development.
“The latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct assault on education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and decisive action,” he said.
The ADC presidential flagbearer called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, stressing that such a measure should focus on empowering security commanders rather than suspending elected officials.
“It is time for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security to give commanders greater freedom to act decisively and proactively against these criminals,” Atiku stated.
“I am not advocating the removal of elected officials. Rather, I am calling for our military and security commanders to be given a freer hand, shielded from undue political interference, to make battlefield decisions that can effectively combat insecurity.”
He argued that Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation requires extraordinary measures, warning that continued attacks on schools threaten the safety of students and teachers while creating long-term psychological trauma.
“Learning can only thrive in a safe environment. Terrorist attacks are increasingly turning our schools into dangerous places. The fear, anxiety and trauma that follow such attacks make meaningful learning almost impossible,” he said.
“Under no circumstances should we allow terrorists and bandits to destroy our way of life or prevent our children from going to school.”
Atiku further warned that an attack on one school threatens educational institutions nationwide, given its ripple effects on public confidence and school safety.
As part of measures to tackle the security crisis, he proposed the establishment of a National Guard made up of retired military veterans to support the efforts of the armed forces and police, which he said are overstretched and under-manned.
He also advocated stronger intelligence gathering and greater community participation in security efforts.
“Our communities have a crucial role to play through information sharing and constant vigilance. Improved human intelligence and grassroots cooperation are essential in the fight against terrorism and banditry,” he added.
