Dare Babalola
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency on the security situation in Nigeria.
In a social media post on Friday, the former presidential candidate who was reacting to the abduction of students in Niger State, described the development as heartbreaking.
Atiku expressed dismay over the Federal Government’s perceived inaction on the deteriorating security situation, calling for decisive measures to address the crisis.
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 in insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves.”
Earlier, yet-to-be-identified terrorists invaded St. Mary Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, and abducted over 50 students and staff.
Security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, with the government urging school proprietors and stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP W.A. Abiodun, had earlier said, “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel.
“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
