The African Democratic Congress has called for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara states, following the recent killing of mosque worshippers.

The party made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following the murder of some worshippers in the two states.

Mr Abdullahi said the ADC was deeply concerned about the recent killings in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, while others were killed in their homes across villages.

He said, “In view of the foregoing, ADC therefore calls for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara states until the government is able to stem the tide of bloodshed in those places and restore some order.’’

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to embark on total re-evaluation of Nigeria’s national security architecture to adequately protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

He stated, “The recent call by the chief of defence staff for citizens to acquire self-defence skills is perhaps the most honest indicator yet that there is a need to rethink the entire internal defence system.’’

Mr Abdullahi decried what he described as the insensitivity of both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party to the plight of citizens, saying the two dominant parties were only concerned about power and politics.

He faulted the decision of the PDP governors to hold a political meeting in Zamfara State just days after the killing of residents in the state, describing the action as “grossly insensitive.”

(NAN)