Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday criticised Nigeria’s political leaders for paying more attention to future elections while insecurity continues to spread across different parts of the country.
Obi made his views known through a statement shared on his official social media account, where he spoke about recent attacks and the growing impact on civilians and security personnel.
According to him, the security situation across Nigeria has worsened in recent times, with violent incidents reported in several states. He said the scale of attacks and threats facing communities shows that the country is going through a troubling period, as many citizens now live in fear in their own homes and villages.
Obi referred to a recent attack on the Ngoshe community in Borno State where terrorists reportedly overpowered security forces.
During the attack, several soldiers and residents were killed while more than one hundred women and children were taken away by the attackers. He said the incident reflects the growing pressure on security forces and the danger facing communities in conflict-prone areas.
The former Anambra State governor also spoke about the sacrifices of soldiers who continue to confront armed groups across the country. He noted that many security personnel lose their lives while defending the nation, yet their efforts and sacrifices are not always properly recognised.
He said the country should give fallen soldiers the honour they deserve and ensure their service to the nation is remembered.
Obi further pointed to other reports of insecurity in states such as Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue. In those areas, he said residents have complained that armed groups now occupy farms and forest areas, forcing many villagers to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
He also referred to records showing that more than fourteen thousand people in Nasarawa’s Kadarko area have been registered as internally displaced persons due to attacks and threats in their communities.
He also mentioned incidents in Oyo and Ondo states, where abductions and violent attacks have been reported, as well as killings in parts of Kebbi State involving both civilians and security personnel. According to him, the spread of these incidents shows that insecurity is affecting many regions of the country.
Obi expressed concern that even the Federal Capital Territory has not been spared from such incidents. He cited the recent abduction of residents in Kubwa, Abuja, where several people, including women and children, were reportedly taken from their homes by kidnappers.
He said the continued wave of attacks shows that insecurity is becoming a normal occurrence in many communities, warning that leaders must take the issue more seriously. Obi accused the political class of focusing heavily on strategies for the next election while many citizens struggle with safety concerns.
The former presidential candidate stated that Nigerians deserve leaders who place the safety and welfare of citizens above political ambitions. He said restoring security across the country should be the main priority of those in power.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also reacted to the recent attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area. The governor visited Pulka to sympathise with families affected by the incident and mourn those who lost their lives during the assault.
During the visit, Zulum assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue those abducted during the attack.
The assault, which reportedly occurred at night last week, left several residents dead and many others taken away by the attackers, once again drawing attention to the security challenges facing parts of the country.