Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, lamenting the tragic loss of thousands of lives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a heartfelt message shared via his official X handle, Obi condemned the relentless wave of killings, abductions, and banditry plaguing the nation.
“Despite not being at war,” he wrote, “the violence continues daily and is escalating at a disturbing rate.” He cited the recent attack in Okigwe, Imo State, where many lives were lost and others remain missing, as a grim reflection of the country’s deteriorating security landscape.
Obi referenced a damning report from Amnesty International, which accused the Nigerian government of “emboldening bandits” through its “stunning failure” to protect citizens. The report described the past week as “bloody,” highlighting the massacre of over 50 worshippers in a Katsina mosque, the abduction of more than 60 people in the same state, and the killing of 15 farmers in Plateau State events that displaced over 200 families.
According to Amnesty, over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed by armed groups in just two years under the current administration. Obi drew a stark comparison: “Nigeria, which is not officially at war, has recorded civilian deaths comparable to Ukraine, a country in active conflict.”
He urged leaders to rise above political distractions and prioritize the safety of citizens. “The first duty of any government is to secure lives and property. We must stop the politicking and focus on real solutions. The time to act is now.”
Obi concluded with a rallying call: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
