Atiku Calls for Security Emergency as School Attacks Worsen Nationwide
According to report by Daily Post on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security following the rising wave of violent attacks and school abductions across the country.
Atiku made the call on Wednesday while reacting to the recent attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke-Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed attackers killed three people, including the school’s Vice Principal, and abducted several students.
He described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting educational institutions, warning that the trend is not only claiming lives but also destabilising Nigeria’s education system and future development.
His reaction also comes against the backdrop of other recent mass abductions, including incidents in Oyo and Borno States, where dozens of schoolchildren were kidnapped and a school principal was reportedly killed. Atiku expressed concern that schools are increasingly becoming unsafe environments for learning.
According to him, the growing insecurity represents a national emergency that requires extraordinary measures. He stressed that the proposed emergency declaration should focus strictly on improving security operations and not on removing elected officials at the state level.
He argued that security commanders need greater operational freedom to respond decisively to threats without political interference. In his words, the current situation demands urgent and “drastic action” to prevent further deterioration.
Atiku warned that repeated attacks on schools have created fear and trauma among students, parents, and teachers, making it difficult for normal academic activities to continue. He added that when one school is attacked, it sends shockwaves across the entire education system nationwide.
As part of his proposed solutions, the former Vice President suggested the creation of a national guard made up of retired military personnel to support overstretched security agencies such as the police and armed forces.
He also called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger monitoring of terrorist movements, and increased community participation in security efforts. According to him, local communities must remain vigilant and actively share information that can help prevent attacks.
Atiku concluded that protecting schools and ensuring the safety of children must be treated as a top national priority, warning that failure to act decisively could further embolden armed groups and deepen insecurity across Nigeria.