The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States following renewed mass killings that have claimed over 140 lives in the past two months.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the massacre in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where gunmen reportedly killed 30 worshippers during dawn prayers and burned 20 villagers alive in their homes.

Describing the killings as further evidence of Nigeria’s “collapsed security architecture,” the ADC said the situation has left citizens defenceless, pointing to recent comments by the Chief of Defence Staff urging Nigerians to learn self-defence.

The statement also highlighted the killing of 47 people in Zamfara, including 38 hostages slain after ransom was paid, as well as the murder of at least 45 more villagers this month alone.

“It is disheartening that instead of confronting these tragedies, President Tinubu continues to jet-set across the world for photo opportunities, while his people are dying in dozens at home,” the ADC said, faulting the President’s silence and lack of direct condolence to victims’ families.

The party demanded a complete overhaul of the country’s security system, warning that the current structure has failed to protect lives and property.

In a separate criticism, the ADC berated PDP governors for holding a political meeting in Zamfara just days after mass killings in the state, describing the action as “insensitive” and proof that both the APC and PDP place politics above citizens’ welfare.