Peter Obi Condemns Escalating Bloodshed in Nigeria, Calls for Enhanced Security Measures and Emphasis on Human Life
By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 Election, has expressed deep discontent and sorrow over the relentless bloodletting of innocent Nigerians and called upon the government to bolster the nation’s security architecture and show greater concern for human life.
Obi’s concern stemmed from the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly in the North Central zone and the South East, which he deemed increasingly alarming. He cited the recent violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, where incidents of kidnapping, arson, and loss of human lives have reached alarming levels.
According to Obi, the 1st Quarter Mass Atrocities Casualty Tracking Report revealed a harrowing toll, with over 1230 Nigerians killed, including 79 security operatives, and over 600 abductions in just the first quarter of the year.
“The figures are mind-boggling,” Obi lamented, drawing a grim comparison to the ongoing carnage in Russia and Ukraine. He found it “unacceptable” that hundreds of innocent lives continue to be needlessly wasted in Nigeria due to communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping activities.
Drawing attention to the North Central state of Mangu, Obi expressed anxiety over the situation there, noting the high number of lives and properties lost with minimal resistance from security operatives.
Regarding the South East, the former Anambra state Governor highlighted the disturbing impact of the “Sit-at-Home” directive, purportedly issued by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). However, he emphasized that the group had publicly denied issuing such a directive, and thus the disruptions in the region were essentially criminal activities that required urgent attention.
Obi commended the efforts of the South East Governors in tackling the issue but stressed the need for a more strategic and intelligence-driven approach to reduce the suffering of innocent people.
The Labour Party standard bearer called on security agencies to take swift and necessary action to curtail the escalating violence, emphasizing that the country could not afford to spill the blood of its innocent citizens. He urged all critical stakeholders, including traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders, to play an active role in promoting peace within their communities.
Highlighting the wider implications of an unsecured environment on development and investment, Obi urged all levels of government to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and youth unemployment. He believed that providing basic necessities to the people was crucial in tackling the security challenges.
In conclusion, Obi expressed his deep concern for the suffering poor in society and called for urgent and intentional measures to alleviate their hardship.
