Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has described the recent terrorist attack in Niger State that claimed dozens of lives as a national shame, calling on the government to take urgent and decisive action to end the growing wave of insecurity across the country.
Obi made this known in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, reacting to reports of a deadly attack on a community in Niger State that left at least 30 people dead, with several others abducted by terrorists.
According to him, the continued loss of lives to violent attacks has become deeply troubling and unacceptable, especially as Nigerians have just ushered in a new year with hopes for peace and stability.
“It is deeply worrisome and unacceptable that, as we usher in a new year, the cycle of senseless killings and insecurity continues unchecked across our nation,” Obi wrote.
He said Nigerians urgently need an all-hands-on-deck approach to address insecurity, stressing that the problem requires a coordinated, capable, and decisive effort from all relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The former Anambra State governor specifically referenced the deadly attack at Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. According to reports, terrorists stormed the market, killing scores of people and abducting others, throwing the community into mourning.
“Today, in Niger State, we once again witnessed the horrific loss of over 40 lives in a brutal terrorist attack at the Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area,” Obi said.
Although official figures initially confirmed about 30 deaths, local sources and community leaders said the casualty figure may be higher, as many victims were traders and residents who had gathered at the market when the attackers struck.
Obi also recalled other recent attacks across different parts of the country, noting that the Niger incident was part of a wider and disturbing pattern of violence.
“Just yesterday, armed bandits struck Bong village in Doemak District of Plateau State, leaving multiple people dead,” he said. “Two days ago, several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State were attacked by bandits. On New Year’s Day in Katsina State, the Unguwar Naino community was also attacked, with several lives lost and many others injured.”
According to him, these repeated attacks show that insecurity has become a daily reality for many Nigerians, especially those living in rural communities.
“These incidents form part of a disturbing and tragic pattern of violence that has sadly become normalized,” Obi said. “The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame, and the toll it takes on families and communities is immeasurable.”
Nigeria has continued to face serious security challenges over the past decade. Terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements operate in different regions, carrying out attacks on villages, markets, highways, and farms. Thousands of people have been killed, while many others have been displaced from their homes.
In the North-East, insurgency linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province has persisted despite years of military operations. In the North-West and parts of North-Central Nigeria, banditry and mass kidnappings have become common, with communities frequently attacked for ransom, food, and supplies.
States such as Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, and Benue have been among the worst affected. Markets, schools, places of worship, and highways have all been targeted at different times.
Obi stressed that Nigerians must not accept the killings as normal and that protecting lives should remain the primary duty of government at all levels.
“As a nation, we cannot continue to normalize these killings,” he said. “The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government.”
He also expressed sympathy to families and communities affected by the recent attacks, acknowledging the deep pain and loss they are experiencing.
“To the families who have lost loved ones in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Katsina, and other affected communities this New Year, no words can truly ease your pain,” Obi wrote. “Know, however, that the nation mourns with you.”
He prayed for strength and comfort for those mourning and reiterated his call for an end to the cycle of violence.
“May you find strength, comfort, and resilience in this time of unimaginable grief,” he added. “This cycle of violence must be stopped.”
Obi’s comments have resonated with many Nigerians, especially on social media, where users expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s inability to protect citizens. Many users agreed with his call for a more serious and coordinated response to insecurity.
They also note that repeated attacks across multiple states show the need for better intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies, and stronger community-based security efforts.
While the Federal Government has continued to assure Nigerians that security agencies are working hard to restore peace, attacks have persisted, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
As communities continue to bury their dead and search for abducted relatives, many Nigerians are calling for concrete actions rather than promises.
