The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi has reacted to reports of the weekend abduction of approximately 172 worshippers from churches in Kaduna State.
In a statement via his X page on Tuesday, he described the incident as a “grim reminder” of a nation where insecurity has been allowed to flourish unchecked, becoming an agonizing part of everyday life.
Despite reports of the mass abduction, both the government and the police have stated they are unaware of the incident.
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Obi, however, argued that the frequency of such reports, whether confirmed or contested—points to a deeper systemic failure.
“Is this how we will continue? Can we keep waking up to news of mass abductions, disputed figures, and official denials while citizens live in fear?” Obi asked.
“Whether confirmed or contested, the frequency of such reports alone shows a greater crisis of safety, leadership, and unity.”
Obi highlighted that Kaduna is not an isolated case, pointing to recent “gruesome insecurity” in Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Plateau states.
He drew a sharp contrast between Nigeria’s internal stability and nations actually at war, noting that Nigeria’s casualty and abduction figures often surpass those in active war zones.
He accused the government of mobilising vast resources for “waste, propaganda, and foreign lobbyists” while failing to secure local communities.
He warned against treating the loss of lives and liberty as a “normal” occurrence.
He called for a government that treats human life as the ultimate priority.
Offering his support to the families in Kaduna, Obi expressed hope for the safe return of those taken and a swift recovery for those injured during the attacks.
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He noted that while he prays the official denials are true, the government must act decisively if they are not.
“To the families whose loved ones were taken, we share in your pain. Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred; the time to confront this insecurity is now,” he said.
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