Atiku calls for state of emergency on security after fresh school attack in Kogi

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, citing a growing wave of attacks on schools and the threat they pose to education and national development.

Atiku made the call on Wednesday following the attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where three people, including the school’s vice principal, were reportedly killed and several students abducted.

In a statement issued by his media office, the former vice president expressed concern that terrorist and bandit attacks are increasingly targeting educational institutions in a pattern aimed at disrupting learning and undermining the country’s development.

He recalled that no fewer than 90 schoolchildren were abducted in separate attacks in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, adding that the principal of the school in Oriire was beheaded during the incident.

According to Atiku, the latest attack in Kogi represents a direct threat to education and a national embarrassment that requires urgent and decisive action.

“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 in the country,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate clarified that his call for a state of emergency was not a demand for the removal or suspension of elected officials but a proposal to grant security commanders greater operational freedom without political interference.

“Nigeria is facing worsening insecurity that demands extraordinary measures, including a state of emergency,” he stated.

Atiku warned that repeated attacks on schools could make educational institutions unsafe for both students and teachers, noting that the trauma and anxiety associated with such incidents could discourage learning.

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

The former vice president further argued that an attack on one school poses a threat to schools across the country because of its potential ripple effect.

As part of measures to address the security challenges, Atiku proposed the establishment of a national guard made up of retired military veterans to complement the efforts of the armed forces and the police, which he described as overstretched and undermanned.

He also advocated improved human intelligence gathering and stronger community participation in information sharing to help security agencies track and prevent terrorist activities.

The statement was issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on June 10, 2026.