Atiku Abubakar urges state of emergency on security to combat school attacks
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. He warned that escalating attacks on schools by terrorists and bandits could cripple Nigeria’s education sector and undermine national development. This call follows a recent attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kogi State, where gunmen reportedly killed three people, including the Vice Principal, and abducted several students. Atiku stated that recurring attacks on educational institutions suggest a deliberate attempt to disrupt learning and create widespread fear. He clarified that his proposal for a state of emergency does not involve suspending or removing elected state officials but aims to strengthen security responses by empowering commanders to act decisively without political interference. He also cited recent incidents in Oyo and Borno states where schoolchildren were abducted. Atiku proposed establishing a National Guard composed of retired military veterans to support the armed forces and police, noting that current security agencies are overstretched. He also advocated for improved intelligence gathering and greater community participation in combating insecurity, emphasizing the role of human intelligence in tracking terrorist and bandit movements. Security experts have warned that continued attacks on educational institutions could worsen school enrollment challenges and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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