Rising Insecurity: Nigeria Under Siege, Says Obi

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has decried the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, saying the country is now “clearly under siege” as violent attacks continue to spread across several states.

In a statement shared on his X handle Monday morning, Obi said the scale of insecurity has become unbearable, lamenting that many communities are under constant attacks while the response from the nation’s leaders remains largely silent.

Citing the recent attack in Ngoshe community of Borno State, Obi said, “This week alone in Borno State’s Ngoshe community, terrorists overpowered soldiers, killing them and several citizens, while abducting more than 100 women and children yet our leaders are silent.”

He stated that the sacrifices of soldiers defending the country are often overlooked, expressing hope that fallen troops would one day receive the honour they deserve from national leaders.

“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 said.

The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the security challenges facing several states, including Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue, where he said residents are raising the alarm over terrorists invading farms and forests, disrupting economic activities and forcing villages to flee.

According to him, in Kadarko area of Nasarawa State, about 14,318 civilians have already been registered as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Obi further cited incidents in Oyo, Ondo and Kebbi States where he said residents were killed and others abducted.

“In Oyo State, travellers were abducted in the dead of night along the Kishi‑Igbeti road, their whereabouts still unknown. In Ondo State, criminals shot at, abducted and wounded innocent citizens. And in Kebbi State, terrorists are on a rampage, killing officers and citizens, making it the third deadly attack this month.

The former presidential candidate said the growing insecurity had now crept into the nation’s capital, referencing a recent attack in Kubwa, Abuja, where residents, including women and children, were abducted from their homes.

“This is yet another grim reminder that insecurity is no longer distant but now a norm. These are national tragedies happening simultaneously across the country, claiming the lives of civilians and security operatives alike,” he said.

Obi stressed that the primary responsibility of government was to protect the lives and property of citizens, urging leaders to focus on addressing the worsening security situation.

“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. The ruling class are instead devastatingly more preoccupied with how to snatch, grab, and run away with the next election.

“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.” Obi added.(daily trust)