Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has issued a stern condemnation of the alarming rise in kidnappings across Nigeria, stressing that no individual is immune from the wave of violence sweeping through the country. In a passionate statement on Thursday, Obi expressed his concern over the increasing frequency of kidnappings and murders, which are fueling national insecurity.
Obi’s remarks came on the heels of several high-profile abductions, including the recent kidnapping of two Catholic reverend sisters in Anambra State, which has further shaken the public’s confidence in the nation’s security apparatus. The sisters were taken by armed assailants on January 9 along the Ufuma Road in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra. While the kidnappers have not been apprehended, their actions have highlighted the ever-growing menace of abduction, which continues to plague both urban and rural areas.
“Everyone is now a target in this country. From our children to our elderly, no one is spared from the grip of kidnappers,” Obi remarked. “The fear of being abducted has become a reality for Nigerians in every corner of the nation. We cannot stand by and let this continue,” he emphasized.
In his statement, Obi pointed out that the rising rate of kidnappings is not only a threat to citizens’ safety but also a significant barrier to Nigeria’s economic development. He lamented the effects of kidnapping on critical sectors, particularly agriculture, education, and healthcare.
“Farmers can no longer safely till their lands without the fear of being abducted for ransom,” Obi explained. “Educators, especially in remote areas, are being kidnapped and sometimes killed, hindering the progress of our educational system. Healthcare workers, too, have been targeted, leaving rural communities without the medical professionals they desperately need.”
The former governor of Anambra State referenced the tragic killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, a recent victim of violence, as a stark example of the country’s deteriorating security conditions. “These are the individuals who contribute daily to our national growth, whether in agriculture, education, or healthcare,” Obi stated. “They deserve to work without the constant threat of violence hanging over them.”
The Labour Party leader’s statement also condemned the broader implications of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. “The constant fear that citizens live with every day has crippled our nation. Our schools, hospitals, and farms are no longer safe places. Our children, teachers, farmers, and healthcare workers are all under siege,” he said.
Obi urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to end the widespread kidnapping and killings that have reached disturbing levels across the country. “I call on the federal government to deploy all available resources to secure our communities. The police, the military, and other security agencies must work together in a coordinated effort to root out this menace,” he added.
The Labour Party candidate’s remarks come amidst growing frustration over the government’s inability to address the country’s security challenges effectively. Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the state of national security, citing the ease with which criminal groups operate and the apparent lack of accountability for perpetrators of such heinous acts.
“The time to act is now,” Obi urged. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. If we continue on this path, the very fabric of our nation will be torn apart. We must prioritize the safety of our citizens above all else.”
In his call for urgent action, Obi did not shy away from highlighting the gravity of the situation. “If we do not act quickly, I fear that what we are witnessing is just the beginning of a deeper crisis,” he warned. “This is not just about saving a few lives; this is about saving our country from total collapse.”
The kidnapping crisis in Nigeria has reached a point where even the most prominent members of society are not immune. The case of the kidnapped Catholic sisters is just the latest in a long line of high-profile abductions. As kidnappers continue to target religious figures, academics, and professionals, it becomes increasingly evident that no segment of society is spared from this brutal crime wave.
Obi also expressed concern over the unreported cases of abduction, suggesting that the official statistics may only represent a fraction of the total number of victims. “How many Nigerians are suffering in silence, with their loved ones still in captivity?” he asked. “How many families have been torn apart by these heartless criminals?”
The former governor’s comments echoed those of other political figures and civil society groups, who have been vocal about the worsening security situation in the country. His call for an immediate, multifaceted response to kidnapping and insecurity is seen by many as a reflection of the growing disillusionment with the current administration’s handling of the crisis.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Nigerians are left wondering when, and if, the government will act decisively to end the scourge of kidnapping and restore safety to the nation. In the meantime, Obi’s message is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to let this crisis continue unchecked. The government must act now, or risk further destabilizing the country.
“Let us not wait until it’s too late,” Obi concluded. “We can’t burn down our country in the name of politics. We must come together as Nigerians and fight to restore peace and safety for all.”
