Our Reporter, Abuja
Frontline presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, accusing the nation’s leaders of prioritising politics while citizens face growing threats to their lives and livelihoods.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, Obi said the country was “clearly under siege,” noting that the scale of insecurity had become unbearable and was spreading across several states.
He cited recent attacks in Borno State, where he said terrorists overpowered soldiers in Ngoshe community, killing security personnel and civilians while abducting more than 100 women and children.
Obi lamented what he described as the silence surrounding the deaths of security personnel, saying the sacrifices of soldiers defending the country were often ignored.
“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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also raised alarm over the spread of attacks in several parts of the country, including Nasarawa State, Kogi State and Benue State, where he said residents had reported terrorists invading farms and forests, disrupting economic activities and forcing communities to flee.
According to him, in Nasarawa’s Kadarko area alone, about 14,318 civilians have been registered as internally displaced persons.
Obi further cited incidents in Oyo State, where travellers were reportedly abducted along the Kishi-Igbeti road, as well as attacks in Ondo State and Kebbi State, where criminals and terrorists were said to have killed and abducted citizens and security operatives.
He also expressed concern over the spread of insecurity to the nation’s capital, referencing a recent attack in Kubwa, Abuja, where about 19 residents were allegedly abducted from their homes, including women and children.
Describing the incidents as national tragedies occurring simultaneously across the country, Obi said the government must prioritise the protection of lives and property.
“The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens,” he said, adding that Nigerians deserved leadership committed to their safety and welfare.
Obi also criticised what he described as the ruling class’s focus on electoral politics instead of addressing security challenges.
“It is time to restore security, dignity and hope to every corner of this nation,” he said.
