Obi warned that insecurity has spread beyond remote areas, with even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now facing attacks.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, has condemned the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, accusing the government of remaining silent despite the killing of citizens and security personnel by bandits and terrorists.
He expressed this deep concern on Monday in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, titled ‘Politics in front as insecurity spreads’.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, the country appears to be under siege as violent attacks spread across several states.
Recent Attacks and Military Sacrifices
Obi cited a recent attack in the Ngoshe community of Borno State, where terrorists reportedly overpowered soldiers, killing security personnel and civilians while abducting more than 100 women and children.
He went on to condemn the “quiet manner” in which the sacrifices of fallen soldiers are treated, noting that many who died defending the country are not properly honoured.
The former governor further highlighted security concerns across multiple states, including Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Oyo, Ondo, and Kebbi.
Insecurity Reaching the Capital
Obi warned that insecurity is no longer confined to remote areas, noting that even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recently experienced attacks. He accused the political class of focusing more on electoral politics than addressing the nation’s security challenges. While calling for urgent action, he stressed that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises safety and welfare.
Speaking via his verified handle, Obi wrote: “Our nation is clearly under siege, and the scale of insecurity is becoming unbearable, spreading widely all over the country. This week alone in Borno State’s Ngoshe community, terrorists overpowered soldiers, killing them and several citizens, while abducting more than 100 women and children—yet our leaders are silent.
“The sacrifice of our brave and dedicated soldiers is passed in silence. I look forward to the day when our fallen soldiers are given the dignified burials they deserve, with their bodies received and honoured by the nation’s leaders and political authorities.”
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Obi further detailed the crisis in other regions:
North Central: Residents in Nasarawa, Kogi, and Benue report terrorists flocking to farms and forests, with 14,318 civilians registered as IDPs in Nasarawa’s Kadarko area alone.
South West: Travellers were abducted along the Kishi–Igbeti road in Oyo, while criminals wounded and kidnapped citizens in Ondo.
The Capital: In Kubwa, Abuja, 19 citizens were recently abducted from their homes.
A Call for Accountability
Obi concluded with a stinging critique of the current administration: “The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the response from the government in power to all these incidents has been dead silence, as if Nigerian lives no longer matter. The ruling class is instead more preoccupied with how to ‘snatch, grab, and run away’ with the next election. It is time to restore security, dignity, and hope to every corner of this nation.”
