A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has decried rising insecurity in Nigeria, saying citizens should not be forced to live under the control of terrorists.
In a post on his verified X account on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor described the current security situation as a breakdown of governance and humanity.
Reacting to reports from Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, where armed groups allegedly ordered residents to vacate their homes, Obi said the development was deeply troubling.
“What we are witnessing in Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, and indeed across our country, is tragic. It reflects a complete breakdown of governance and humanity,” he said.
He warned that the situation suggests that non-state actors are increasingly taking over the role of government in some areas.
“This is not how a nation should function. How did we get to a point where Nigerians are taking instructions from terrorists instead of their government? I have consistently maintained that no nation can progress when its people live in fear.
“This is no longer just a security issue; it is a national emergency. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Nigerians deserve to live in peace, not at the mercy of terror,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed violence in parts of Sokoto, particularly around Borgaja town, where attacks have reportedly forced residents to flee their communities.
Reports indicate that armed groups linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji have carried out repeated raids in the area along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis, resulting in deaths, abductions, and widespread displacement.
