Rising insecurity threatens peace and economic activities in Nigeria, says Peter Obi

In a recent statement shared via his verified Twitter handle, Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP) and former Governor of Anambra State, expressed his deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria. Particularly, he highlighted the North Central zone as a hotbed of violent attacks, along with the disruption of business and social activities in the South-East region.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Obi denounced the recent disturbing incidences of kidnapping, arson, and loss of human lives in the North Central states of Benue and Plateau. Citing the 1st Quarter Mass Atrocities Casualty Tracking Report, he revealed that over 1230 Nigerians, including 79 security operatives, had lost their lives. Additionally, more than 600 abductions were recorded in the first quarter of the year alone. These figures, according to Obi, were likely to be significantly higher given the continued violence in the region.

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Obi compared the rising death toll to the ongoing carnage in Russia/Ukraine, underscoring the urgent need for action. He condemned the wanton waste of innocent lives and called for a concerted effort to address communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping activities threatening the country’s stability. Expressing his anxiety over the plight of the Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State, where lives and properties have been lost with limited resistance from security operatives, Obi stressed the need for intervention.

Turning his attention to the South-East region, Obi expressed deep concern over the continuous disruption of business and social activities due to the rumored “Sit-at-Home” directive from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Despite IPOB publicly denying issuing such a directive, the impact of the resulting criminal activity on the region cannot be overlooked. Obi insisted that all stakeholders, including security agencies and local communities, must work together to curb this menace.

Commending the South-East Governors for their efforts in tackling insecurity, Obi emphasized the need for a strategic and intelligence-driven approach. He urged security agencies to address the situation promptly, as the loss of innocent lives tarnishes the nation’s reputation and deters potential investors. Obi stressed the importance of valuing human life and called on all levels of government to prioritize poverty alleviation and youth employment, recognizing their significance in minimizing the root causes of insecurity.

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In conclusion, Peter Obi’s call to action underscores the urgent need to address rising insecurity in Nigeria. His extensive experience as a former governor and his deep understanding of the country’s political landscape make his statements resonate strongly. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders, to promote peace and unity among their communities. Additionally, federal and state governments must prioritize poverty reduction and job creation to ensure a secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians.