The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the worsening security situation in different parts of the country as deeply troubling.
Speaking specifically on Sunday, Obi said the security situation in Kwara and Kogi States is a national emergency.
Former Anambra State Governor claimed that bandits have taken over nine out of the sixteen local government areas in Kwara State, and not less than 27 innocent citizens were killed in Kogi.
He lamented that many citizens are unable to rest peacefully in their homes, and farmers are unable to go to the farm due to fear of being attacked by bandits.
While commiserating with those affected by the various attacks, Obi called on the government to rise to its responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerians.
“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 entire people of Kogi State.
“This comes as reports from neighbouring Kwara state say that nine out of 16 LGs in Kwara state are under bandits’ siege, who now demand food and drinks as ransom. The nine LGs in the bandit control include Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun.
“The security situation is now a national emergency. It is deeply troubling that insecurity has become a normal occurrence in our nation, where our citizens die daily more than in countries at war. This is not normal.
“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. Leadership must be about protecting lives and property, the most basic duty of any government.
“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,” he wrote on 𝕏.
