The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced deep concern over the escalating insecurity across several parts of Nigeria, describing the situation as a national emergency.
In a statement released on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi condemned the latest wave of attacks in Kwara and Kogi States, expressing heartbreak over the loss of innocent lives and the growing threat of banditry.
According to Obi, recent reports reveal that bandits have seized control of nine out of the sixteen local government areas in Kwara State, while in Kogi, no fewer than 27 citizens were killed in Yagba West Local Government Area.
“I am deeply disturbed by the tragic reports of yet another senseless attack in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area, where over 27 innocent Nigerians were killed by armed bandits. The images are heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Kogi State,” Obi stated.
He listed the nine Kwara LGAs allegedly under siege as Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun, noting that residents now live in fear while bandits reportedly demand food and drinks as ransom.
The former Anambra State governor lamented that many Nigerians can no longer sleep peacefully in their homes or go to their farms, as fear of attacks has paralyzed daily life in rural areas.
He further decried how insecurity has become a “normal occurrence” in Nigeria, insisting that leadership must prioritize the protection of lives and property — the most basic duty of any government.
“Our citizens cannot sleep in their own homes in peace. Our farmers are being driven away from their lands by bandits, our children are living in fear of being attacked, and our nation continues to bleed,” Obi emphasized.
He ended his statement by praying for the souls of the deceased and urging the government to rise to its constitutional responsibility to secure the lives of all Nigerians.
“May God grant eternal rest to the victims, comfort to their grieving families, and give wisdom and courage to our leaders to protect every Nigerian life,” Obi concluded.
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