The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in Nigeria, describing recent events in Zamfara and Kwara States as signs of a dangerous collapse in government authority.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the reported extortion of over N56 million from farmers in Zamfara by armed groups, as well as the mass exodus of residents from a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following threats from bandits.
The party described these developments as a “national warning” and “evidence of national surrender,” signaling that the government has lost control in key areas of the country.
“When farmers are forced to pay terrorists to access their own land, the problem transcends local insecurity it becomes a national crisis,” the ADC stated. “When entire communities flee from bandits in central Nigeria, it is no longer just a regional issue; it is a sign of state failure.”
The ADC argued that the extortion of farmers not only highlights insecurity but represents a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“When criminals can impose levies on citizens at gunpoint, it means the state has surrendered its monopoly on the use of force. This is not just insecurity it is the breakdown of governance,” the statement said.
The party expressed dismay that such conditions persist despite Nigeria having one of the continent’s largest defense budgets. It also cited the recent abduction of approximately 50 individuals in Zamfara as further evidence that the crisis is spiraling out of control.
The ADC questioned the federal government’s priorities, pointing out that while the presidency has considered declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State due to political unrest, it has remained silent on the security collapse in Zamfara.
Drawing attention to President Tinubu’s past criticisms of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s handling of insecurity in 2014, the party noted that the situation has only deteriorated since Tinubu took office.
“Tinubu once demanded accountability in the face of insecurity. Today, the crisis he decried has worsened under his leadership,” the ADC said. “We are not asking him to resign we are asking him to lead.”
The party called on the President to make security his top priority.
“No government can claim legitimacy while citizens are left to negotiate their safety with criminals,” the statement warned. “If our farms and communities cannot be protected, then the government has failed in its most fundamental responsibility.”
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