Govt Must Protect Nigerians, Killing Spree Must End — Peter Obi

 

Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged the government to take decisive action to protect Nigerian lives, emphasizing that the ongoing killing spree in the country must be stopped. Obi expressed his concerns in a statement on his verified X handle on Sunday.

Recent Killings Highlight Need for Urgent Action 

The former governor of Anambra State expressed profound sadness over the recent killing of seven mobile police officers by armed bandits in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Obi stressed that the government must ensure national safety by apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for these heinous crimes. 

“I must, for the best interest of our nation, continue to add my voice against the ever-rising tide of insecurity in Nigeria. It has cost us precious lives, caused damage to properties, and denied us opportunities for progress and development,” Obi stated.

Insecurity Curtailing Freedom and Progress 

Obi highlighted the impact of insecurity on Nigerians, noting that it has curtailed their freedom and hindered the nation’s development. He described democracy without freedom from fear as a farce. 

“Above all, the viral insecurity has curtailed the freedom of our people to enjoy peace and happiness in a land of democratic freedom. Democracy without freedom from fear is a farce,” Obi emphasized.  

 

Rising Death Toll from Insecurity

Obi expressed his sorrow over the increasing death toll from attacks across the country. He referenced recent incidents, including the killing of 30 people in separate attacks in Dutsinma and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State, and another attack in Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed 20 lives.

 

“Last Tuesday, no fewer than 30 Nigerians were killed in separate attacks in the Dutsinma and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State by terrorists. Also, two days ago, terrorists were reported to have invaded the Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing 20 people in the attack,” Obi lamented.

 

Government’s Responsibility to Protect Citizens 

Obi reiterated that the government has a fundamental duty to protect its citizens. He called for immediate action to stop the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. 

“We must not allow the killing spree to continue in our nation. The government must act and protect the very precious lives of Nigerians and keep the nation safe by fishing out the perpetrators of these crimes and bringing them to justice,” Obi insisted.

 

Condolences to Victims’ Families 

Obi extended his condolences to the families of the fallen police officers and other victims of insecurity across the nation. He expressed hope that Nigeria will overcome these challenges and prayed for eternal rest for the deceased.

“The life of every Nigerian matters and must be protected. I extend my condolences to the families of the killed police officers, the Nigeria Police Force, and the other victims of insecurity in different parts of our nation. We shall overcome. May God grant eternal rest to the dead,” Obi concluded.