Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried the country’s security situation, stating that it has now become a national emergency.
In his reaction to reported terrorist attacks in parts of Kwara and Kogi states on Sunday, Obi called the incidents “senseless and heartbreaking”, adding that such unfortunate occurrences should not be normalised.
He harped on the role of leadership in protecting lives and property while praying for the victims’ eternal rest and solace for the bereaved families.
“I am deeply disturbed by the tragic reports of yet another senseless attack in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area, where over 27 innocent Nigerians were killed by armed bandits.
“The images are heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire people of Kogi state.
“This comes as reports from neighbouring Kwara state say that nine of its 16 local government areas are under siege by bandits who now demand food and drink as ransom.
“The nine local government areas under bandit control include Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi and Irepodun.
“The security situation is now a national emergency. It is deeply troubling that insecurity has become a normal occurrence in our nation, where our citizens die daily at rates higher than in some war zones. This is not normal.
“Our citizens cannot sleep in their own homes in peace, our farmers are being driven away from their lands by bandits, our children are living in fear of being attacked, and our nation continues to bleed.
“Leadership must be about protecting lives and property, the most basic duty of any government,” part of Obi’s post on X reads.
