Security Situation in Nigeria Critical

Security Situation in Nigeria Critical - According to Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, has expressed concern over the recent spate of violence and killings across various states in Nigeria.

In a statement, Obi called for the government to suspend all distractions and focus on tackling insecurity, as the casualty figures in Nigeria now rival those of countries officially at war. He described the current security situation in Nigeria as a "full-blown security emergency."

Obi lamented attacks that occurred in Borno, Edo, Sokoto, and Katsina states, resulting in over 100 deaths within a week. In Edo, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers killed eight officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducted a Chinese expatriate in Okpella, Etsako East LGA. In Katsina, bandits murdered six people and kidnapped over 130 others during raids on Sabuwa communities. In Borno, suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed dozens of civilians and soldiers at Darul Jamal, Bama Local Government Area.

Obi warned that insecurity was the fastest route to national collapse, citing Somalia and Libya as examples. He emphasized that swift justice for the killers of the victims in the recent attacks was necessary, and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

Obi also criticized frequent foreign trips by government officials, stating that leadership must be seen at home, personally coordinating the fight against insecurity. He urged that urgent and courageous action was required to prevent Nigeria from sliding into anarchy.

However, Obi did not specify any particular actions or strategies to address the security situation in Nigeria, but emphasized the need for a national war on insecurity. He declared that a new Nigeria is possible, and emphasized the need to act with urgency and courage to rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all.

Obi believes that the sacrifices made by the victims should never be forgotten, and urged that their memories should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for action to address the security crisis in Nigeria.