Atiku described the recurring kidnappings — especially those targeting schools — as a disturbing sign that the country’s security architecture has “completely failed” to protect citizens. He warned that unless drastic measures are taken, Nigeria risks sliding deeper into chaos.
Reacting to the latest attack on St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, where dozens of students were taken in the early hours of Thursday, the former Vice President said the government can no longer continue with what he termed “business-as-usual responses” while families live in fear.
According to him, a state of emergency would allow the government mobilize all available national resources, strengthen security agencies, and coordinate a more effective response to banditry, terrorism, and widespread criminal attacks across the country.
He sympathized with the families of the abducted children and urged security operatives to act swiftly to secure their release. Atiku also emphasized that protecting schools must become an urgent national priority, stressing that no nation can progress while its classrooms remain targets for violent attacks.