former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, accusing political leaders of prioritising electoral ambitions while communities across the country face escalating attacks.
In a statement, Obi revealed the scale of insecurity across the country has become unbearable, noting that many communities are under siege from terrorists and criminal gangs.
“Our nation is clearly under siege, and the scale of insecurity is becoming unbearable, spreading widely all over the country,” he said.
He cited recent incidents in several states, including Borno State, where terrorists reportedly 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 soldiers who continue to risk their lives defending the country.
“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.
He also pointed to growing insecurity in parts of Nasarawa State, Kogi State, and Benue State, where residents have reportedly raised alarm over the presence of terrorists in farmlands and forests, disrupting economic activities and forcing communities to flee.
According to him, the humanitarian impact is already severe. In Nasarawa’s Kadarko area alone, he said, more than 14,000 civilians have been registered as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Violent incidents have also been reported in other parts of the country. Obi cited the abduction of travellers along the Kishi-Igbeti road in Oyo State, as well as attacks involving shootings and kidnappings in Ondo State. He further noted that Kebbi State has witnessed a series of deadly attacks this month involving both security personnel and civilians.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern that the wave of insecurity has begun to affect the Federal Capital Territory.
Referring to a recent incident in Kubwa, in Abuja, he stressed several 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 all over our country, claiming the lives of civilians and security operatives alike,” Obi said.
He criticised what he described as the inadequate response from those in power, arguing that the government’s primary duty is to protect the lives and property of citizens.
“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 these incidents has been silence, as if Nigerian lives no longer matter,” he said.
Obi further accused the political class of focusing on electoral strategies instead of addressing the country’s security challenges.
“The ruling class are instead more preoccupied with how to snatch, grab and run away with the next election,” he said.
He called on leaders at all levels to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens, stressing that the ongoing violence across the country should not be treated as routine news events.
“These are not just news items. Nigerians deserve commitment and leadership that puts their safety and welfare first,” he added.
Obi concluded by urging national leaders to take decisive steps to restore security and rebuild public confidence.
“It is time to restore security, dignity and hope to every corner of this nation. A new Nigeria is possible.”