Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an urgent security emergency to confront the escalating wave of terrorist and bandit attacks on schools, warning that Nigeria risks a deeper education crisis if decisive action is not taken.

His call follows the deadly attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kogi State, where gunmen reportedly killed three people, including the school’s vice principal, and abducted several students.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku described the attack as a national tragedy and a direct assault on the country’s future, arguing that repeated strikes on educational institutions are no longer isolated incidents but part of a dangerous pattern threatening access to learning across the country.

“The latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action,” he said.

The former vice president urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, saying military and security commanders require greater operational freedom to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.

He clarified that his proposal is not aimed at suspending democratic structures or removing elected officials, but at strengthening security operations and reducing bureaucratic constraints that could hamper urgent responses.

According to Atiku, attacks on schools have become increasingly frequent and appear designed to spread fear, disrupt education and undermine national development. He pointed to recent abductions and killings in schools across Oyo, Borno and Kogi states as evidence of a worsening trend.

“Learning can only thrive in a secure environment. When schools become targets, the consequences extend beyond the victims and their communities. Fear spreads, enrolment declines and the nation’s future is put at risk,” he said.

He further warned that every successful attack on a school emboldens criminal groups and sends a chilling message to parents and educators nationwide.

As part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity, Atiku proposed the establishment of a National Guard made up of retired military personnel to complement the work of the armed forces and police.

He argued that existing security agencies are overstretched and require additional support to effectively combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The ADC candidate also stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations, urging communities to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information that could help prevent attacks before they occur.

“Our communities must become active partners in the fight against insecurity through vigilance and intelligence sharing,” he stated.

Nigeria has witnessed a series of attacks on schools over the past decade, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where mass kidnappings and violent assaults have repeatedly disrupted education.

Security experts warn that unless the trend is reversed, continued attacks could deepen learning losses, worsen school enrolment challenges and undermine the country’s long-term human capital development. (The Sun)