Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has declared that the recent wave of killings in Kwara, Katsina and other parts of the country is an indication that Nigeria is without effective governance.

Abdullahi made the remark on Saturday in a post on his verified X handle, where he drew a comparison with a similar statement made by President Bola Tinubu in 2014 over Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.

According to him, the escalating insecurity and repeated attacks on communities across the country point to a failure of government to protect lives and property.

He wrote: “The festering insecurity and violent attacks in Kwara, Katsina and other parts of the country, and massacre of innocent Nigerians is concrete proof that Nigeria has no government.”

The ADC spokesman’s statement mirrors Tinubu’s 2014 comment in which the then opposition figure described Boko Haram attacks and mass killings in the North-East as proof that the country lacked a functioning government at the time. Critics of the current administration have recently revived that remark amid growing security concerns nationwide.

Nigeria has witnessed a spike in violent incidents since the start of the year, particularly in northern states.

On February 2, suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly killed 17 persons in Guzamala-Abbari village and nearby communities in Guzamala and Nganzai Local Government Areas of Borno State.

A day later, armed bandits were said to have killed no fewer than 20 residents in Doma A and Doma B communities in Tafoki ward of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State.

Also, on February 4, gunmen attacked Nuku and Woro communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 75 people were reportedly killed, with several houses razed during the assault.

Security agencies are yet to issue comprehensive updates on measures taken to curb the renewed attacks.