Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported mass abduction of worshippers from churches in Kaduna, questioning conflicting official narratives and calling for decisive national leadership in addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Obi expressed concern over confirmed reports that more than 150 worshippers were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on churches in Kaduna. He criticised individuals and authorities who initially dismissed the incident as false, asking how their earlier denials were informed and who would now be held accountable after confirmation of the abductions.
“Since it has now been confirmed that over 150 worshippers were kidnapped from churches in Kaduna, where and how did those who denied the incident initially get their information?” Obi asked. He further questioned earlier threats to punish those accused of spreading “falsehood,” noting that accountability should now rest with those who misled the public.
Obi stressed that in any serious nation, such an incident should prompt swift national action, transparent communication, and visible leadership. “Leadership is not only about grabbing power; it is about presence. It is about speaking when citizens are hurting, acting when lives are at risk, and showing clearly that every Nigerian life matters,” he said.
Referencing an earlier statement released after initial reports of the abduction, Obi recalled that he had been informed that about 172 worshippers were taken during weekend attacks on churches in Kaduna. He described the development as another tragic consequence of prolonged insecurity that has been allowed to fester unchecked.
Even at the time when security agencies reportedly claimed they were unaware of the incident, Obi urged Nigerians to reflect on the broader crisis.
“Can we keep waking up to news of mass abductions, disputed figures, and official denials while citizens live in fear?” he asked, adding that whether confirmed or contested, the frequency of such reports points to a deeper failure in safety, leadership, and national unity.
He also drew attention to similar security challenges across other states, including Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Plateau, describing Nigeria’s casualty figures as rivaling those of countries at war, despite the nation not being in a formal conflict.
Obi accused the government of misplaced priorities, arguing that while resources are mobilised for propaganda and foreign lobbying, communities remain vulnerable to violent attacks and mass kidnappings.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Kaduna and families affected by the abductions, offering prayers for the safe return of the victims and swift medical recovery for those injured. While noting that false reports would be a relief if proven untrue, he maintained that confirmed cases must be met with immediate and decisive action.
“We must act now to ensure that all victims are released safely and unharmed, and to continue confronting decisively this persistent crisis of insecurity in our nation,” Obi said.
“Enough is enough. Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred.”
