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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the escalating wave of killings, abductions, and general insecurity across Nigeria, declaring that the situation has deteriorated significantly under the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
In a statement issued on Monday, the former Anambra State governor described the security crisis as “alarming” and urged political leaders to urgently fulfill their constitutional duty of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
“Despite not being at war, the killings, abductions and banditry incidents in our country continue to be daily and increasing at a worrisome rate,” Obi said.
He cited the recent attack in Okigwe, Imo State, where several residents were killed and many others declared missing, as a clear example of the worsening insecurity in the country.
Obi also referenced a report by Amnesty International, which he said had accused the Nigerian government of “emboldening bandits” due to its “stunning failure” to protect its people.
According to the report, the past week was described as “a bloody one,” highlighting a series of violent incidents across the country. These included the massacre of over 50 worshippers in a mosque in Katsina, the abduction of more than 60 people in the same state, and the killing of over 15 farmers in Mangu, Plateau State.
Obi lamented that in just two years, armed groups have killed more than 10,000 Nigerians, a figure he said is comparable to civilian casualties in Ukraine, a country currently at war.
“Instead of improving security, insecurity has worsened under this administration. Nigeria, which is not even officially at war, has recorded over 10,000 civilian deaths in just two years, a number similar to civilian deaths in Ukraine, which is officially at war,” he stated.
He emphasized that the gravity of the situation demands immediate and decisive action, adding that safeguarding the lives of citizens remains the most fundamental responsibility of any government.