Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over reports that about 172 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna State over the weekend, describing the incident as another troubling sign of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Obi Emphasize the recurring reports of mass abductions, disputed figures and official denials reflect “a greater crisis of safety, leadership and unity” in the country.
“I have just been informed that yet again, at the weekend, about 172 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna. This is yet another unfortunate consequence of a nation where insecurity has been allowed to grow, unchecked and unchallenged in our everyday lives, as though it were normal, This should not be, he said
Although security agencies and government officials have said they are not aware of the alleged incident, Obi questioned the pattern of frequent denials amid persistent reports of violence across the country.
“Even with the government and police stating they are not aware of this incident, we must ask ourselves hard questions,” he said.
“Can we keep waking up to news of mass abductions, disputed figures, and official denials while citizens live in fear?”
Obi noted that communities in Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Plateau states have also faced similar attacks in recent times, arguing that Nigeria now records levels of violence comparable to countries at war.
“Nigeria is not at war, yet here we are again, counting victims with inconsistencies that surpass those of nations at war,” he stated, accusing the government of misplacing its priorities.
“A government that can mobilise resources for waste, for propaganda, for foreign lobbyists, but cannot secure communities or protect its people has misplaced its priorities,” Obi added.
He offered words of solidarity to residents of Kaduna and families of those reportedly abducted, saying, “To the people of Kaduna, you are not alone. We stand with you, and to the families whose loved ones were taken, we share in your pain.”
Obi also prayed for the safe return of any victims and swift recovery for those injured, while expressing relief if the reports turn out to be false. “If the denials are true, we thank God Almighty. If untrue, we stand with the families of those affected and urge the relevant authorities to take swift action,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Obi called for urgent action to address insecurity nationwide. “Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred. The time to confront this insecurity is now,” adding his familiar refrain: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”