A renewed wave of pressure has been directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as prominent leaders, civil society groups, and regional stakeholders urge the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency in one of the northern states most affected by escalating insecurity.
The demand follows a series of violent incidents, including mass abductions, coordinated attacks on rural communities, and disruptions to economic activities that have left residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Although the Presidency has not issued an official response, concerns are deepening nationwide, with analysts warning that failure to act decisively may further destabilise the region and undermine national security.
The call for a state of emergency an extraordinary constitutional measure highlights the severity of the crisis and the growing frustration of those who believe the situation has reached a breaking point.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Breakdown
Over recent weeks, affected communities in the unnamed northern state have been subjected to sustained assaults by armed groups, resulting in dozens of casualties and significant displacement of families.
Villages have reported night-time raids, destruction of property, and instances where local vigilantes were overpowered due to lack of adequate weaponry and security reinforcements.
Several local leaders noted that farming communities have been particularly impacted, with farmlands abandoned and food supply chains disrupted.
The result, they warned, is a looming humanitarian emergency that could worsen food insecurity at both the state and national levels.
Residents describe scenes of chaos: families fleeing in the early hours of the morning, schools forced to close, and marketplaces operating under fear.
A number of parents have withdrawn children from school temporarily following rumours of potential kidnappings in certain districts.
Humanitarian organisations working in the region report rising requests for emergency relief particularly shelter materials, food support, trauma counselling, and basic medical supplies for internally displaced persons.
They warn that the state’s existing infrastructure is overstretched and unable to cope with the scale of the crisis.
Political Leaders Step Forward with Urgent Appeal
Calls for immediate presidential intervention intensified after a coalition of northern stakeholders held an emergency consultative meeting, during which several political figures insisted that the situation has exceeded the capacity of state authorities.
A senior regional lawmaker stated that the Federal Government must “exercise constitutional powers without hesitation” to prevent further bloodshed.
He stressed that insecurity in one region inevitably affects the rest of the country, adding that proactive steps are needed to avert what he described as “a potential national calamity.”
Civil society groups echoed the sentiment, arguing that a state of emergency would enable a more coordinated deployment of military assets, expedite intelligence operations, and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that often hinder rapid response.
One rights coalition warned that communities have been left to “self defend,” a dangerous trend that risks the emergence of armed factions, reprisals, and the breakdown of lawful authority.
Economic Fallout and Disruption of Daily Life
Beyond the immediate security concerns, the ongoing attacks have had a devastating economic impact.
Large numbers of farmers have been displaced from farmlands during the crucial cultivation season.
This has prompted economists to warn that agricultural output in the region may drop sharply, with ripple effects on national food prices.
Transport companies have reduced services to certain routes, citing fear of ambushes.
Small businesses operating in rural markets report declining patronage as residents are unwilling to travel long distances.
The hospitality and transport sectors have suffered losses, while investors considering agricultural partnerships in the region are said to be “reviewing their positions.”
Local government councils have been forced to divert funds originally earmarked for development projects towards emergency security interventions, further stalling infrastructural progress in an already underdeveloped region.
Experts Debate Constitutional and Security Implications
Security analysts note that declaring a state of emergency is a serious constitutional decision, typically reserved for situations where state authorities are overwhelmed or unable to manage internal threats.
If declared, specific powers may be transferred from elected officials to the Federal Government temporarily, enabling tighter military command and control.
Some experts warn that such a declaration may face political pushback, especially from local leaders who fear it could diminish their authority.
Others argue that the priority at this stage should be saving lives and restoring order, not political considerations.
A retired senior military officer, sharing his perspective in a televised discussion, stated that a state of emergency may allow federal forces to execute broader clearance operations, deploy surveillance technology more effectively, and improve coordination between military, police, and intelligence agencies.
He emphasised the need for an integrated approach combining forceful security intervention, community intelligence gathering, and humanitarian support.
Residents Voice Fear, Fatigue, and Desperation
In telephone interviews and community engagements, residents expressed fear and exhaustion over the deteriorating security situation.
Many say they now sleep in shifts, with one family member remaining awake to monitor noises, movements, or potential threats.
Several villagers explained that they have stopped engaging in evening activities, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion.
Traditional rulers, speaking on behalf of their communities, described the attacks as “relentless” and said they had reached out to both state and federal authorities for increased military deployment.
They praised the efforts of some local security agents but argued that the challenges require larger and more sophisticated response strategies.
One village leader warned that young men are increasingly frustrated and may resort to dangerous alternatives if immediate steps are not taken.
“If we cannot get protection, people will protect themselves.
That is how conflicts escalate,” he said.
The Presidency Monitors the Situation
Sources close to the Presidency suggest that the Federal Government is monitoring developments closely and receiving regular briefings from security agencies.
However, there has been no confirmation regarding whether President Tinubu intends to declare a state of emergency.
The government has been under significant pressure to deliver on security reforms, having pledged in its early policy commitments to prioritise the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Some of the President’s advisers are reportedly weighing the political, legal, and military implications of such a declaration, ensuring that any decision aligns with the constitution while protecting national stability.
The Minister of Defence has previously stated that the administration will not hesitate to take drastic measures where necessary.
Nevertheless, the timing and form of any intervention remain uncertain.
Possible Pathways Forward
Security specialists outline several options available to the Federal Government:
1. Immediate declaration of a state of emergency, enabling accelerated command operations.
2. Deployment of a larger, specialised joint task force combining military and police units.
3. Enhanced collaboration with local intelligence structures, particularly vigilante networks.
4. Emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced families and vulnerable groups.
5. Increased investment in surveillance technology, including drones and communication monitoring systems.
6. Temporary curfews in high-risk districts to restrict the movement of armed groups.
7. Rapid infrastructure repairs, such as fixing burnt police posts or damaged communication towers.
Many residents argue that a combination of these measures is necessary to restore confidence and stability.
The call for President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity.
With communities under sustained threat, economic activities disrupted, and humanitarian challenges rising, the clamour for decisive federal intervention continues to grow louder.
Whether the government will invoke emergency powers remains to be seen.
However, what is clear is that affected residents, leaders, and security analysts agree that the situation demands urgent action.
For now, the nation awaits the President’s next move as the crisis deepens and anxiety mounts across the northern region.
