Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of violent attacks across the country, describing Nigeria as “a nation trapped in an unending tragedy.” Obi made the remarks on Tuesday in a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he condemned the series of killings that have taken place in Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto states in recent days.
The Labour Party leader said the latest incidents highlight a worsening security situation that continues to put innocent lives at risk. According to him, the inability to curb violence across different regions shows that Nigeria urgently needs major reforms in security management, policing, and governance.
“We are confronted with the painful daily reality that insecurity continues to threaten the very soul of our nation,” Obi wrote. He stressed that no country that wishes to move forward can accept such levels of violence as normal.
The incidents that prompted Obi’s comments have drawn widespread attention and renewed calls for better protection of citizens. In Anambra State, armed men reportedly stormed a religious gathering and killed worshippers. The attack sparked shock and anger, especially because religious spaces—churches, mosques, and shrines—are expected to be safe havens.
Obi said the killings in Anambra show the failure to protect sacred spaces where people should worship without fear. Attacks on places of worship have become more common in recent years in various parts of Nigeria, raising fears about rising religiously targeted violence and the spread of armed groups.
In Adamawa State, at least seven women protesters died during a demonstration that turned violent. The women were reportedly expressing grievances about rising hardship and insecurity in their communities when security operatives attempted to disperse the crowd. What began as a peaceful protest ended in tragedy, prompting questions about the use of force and the relationship between citizens and security agencies.
Obi said the deaths in Adamawa “show a deep breakdown in trust between citizens and the security agencies meant to safeguard them.” He added that this kind of incident weakens public confidence in institutions that should protect lives, not end them.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, renewed bandit attacks have left communities devastated once again. Banditry has plagued much of the North-West and parts of the North-Central for years, with armed groups carrying out kidnappings, killings, and raids. Villages in Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara have repeatedly suffered such attacks despite numerous military operations meant to contain the problem.
The current wave of violence highlights how insecurity continues to shift across regions—affecting the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South in different ways. For many Nigerians, the violence feels constant and unpredictable.
In his message, Obi warned that it is dangerous for the country to become used to daily reports of killings. He said normalising violence is a major sign of national decline and urged leaders to take urgent steps toward a new security strategy.
“No country seeking stability and progress can afford to normalise such levels of violence,” he said.
Obi has long been vocal about insecurity, consistently calling for reforms in policing, intelligence gathering, border control, and economic policy. He has argued that insecurity often worsens when citizens face unemployment, hunger, and a lack of public services—all of which make communities vulnerable to criminal groups.
Nigeria has struggled with insecurity on multiple fronts for more than a decade. Boko Haram attacks in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, clashes between farmers and herders in the North-Central, separatist unrest in the South-East, and cult violence and kidnapping in the South-South have placed enormous pressure on the nation’s security forces.
Despite efforts by different administrations to improve national security, many communities say they still feel unsafe. Rural villagers often report that they have little or no protection, and urban residents face growing threats from armed robbery and kidnapping.
In recent years, Nigeria’s military and police have launched several operations targeting insurgents, bandits, and armed groups. But critics say the operations are not enough without deeper reforms, better equipment, stronger intelligence systems, and improved welfare for security personnel.
Obi urged Nigerians to treat these incidents as a wake-up call and push for a national conversation on how to rebuild the country’s security framework. He emphasized that protecting citizens should be the highest priority for any government.
He also appealed to leaders across political, religious, and community lines to work together. According to him, insecurity has become a national challenge that affects everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
Obi concluded his message by offering condolences to the families of the victims in Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto. He urged the government to conduct thorough investigations into all incidents and ensure justice for the victims.
