A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, accusing the nation’s leaders of remaining silent while citizens and security personnel continue to lose their lives.
This was revealed in a statement shared on his X handle on Monday.
Obi lamented that the country appears to be under siege as violent attacks spread across several states.
He cited a recent attack in Ngoshe community in Borno State where terrorists reportedly overpowered soldiers, killing security personnel and civilians while abducting more than 100 women and children.
“Our nation is clearly under siege, and the scale of insecurity is becoming unbearable, spreading widely all over the country,” Obi wrote.
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election also decried what he described as the quiet manner in which the sacrifices of fallen soldiers are treated, pointing that many who died defending the country are not properly honoured.
“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,” he stated.
Obi further mentioned security concerns across multiple states, including Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue, where he said residents are being forced to flee their homes as terrorists occupy farms and forests, crippling economic activities.
According to him, in Nasarawa State’s Kadarko area alone, more than 14,000 civilians have already been registered as internally displaced persons.
He also referenced attacks in Oyo, Ondo and Kebbi states, where travellers and residents were reportedly abducted or killed in separate incidents.
Obi said he feared insecurity is no longer confined to remote areas, noting that even the Federal Capital Territory has recently experienced attacks.
“The wave of terror has now brazenly crept into our nation’s capital. The attack in Kubwa, Abuja, just this week, saw about 19 citizens abducted from their homes, including women and children,” he said.
The Anambra State former governor criticised what he described as the government’s lack of response to the growing crisis.
“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 the incidents has been dead silence, as if Nigerian lives no longer matter,” Obi stated.
He went on to accuse the political class of focusing more on electoral politics than addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“The ruling class are instead devastatingly more preoccupied with how to snatch, grab, and run away with the next election,” he added.
Calling for urgent action, Obi said that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises safety and welfare.
“These are not just news items. Nigerians deserve commitment and leadership that puts their safety and welfare first. It is time to restore security, dignity, and hope to every corner of this nation,” he stated.
