African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi has criticised what he described as the government’s “dead silence” over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the country is “clearly under siege”.
In a post shared Monday on his X page, Obi said the scale of violence across several states has become unbearable, with attacks spreading across communities and even reaching the nation’s capital.
Obi cited the recent attack in Ngoshe community in Borno State, where terrorists reportedly overpowered soldiers, killed several people and abducted more than 100 women and children.
He lamented that the sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers often go unrecognised, saying fallen troops deserve dignified burials attended by national leaders.
“I look forward to the day when our fallen soldiers are given the dignified burials they deserve, with their bodies received and honoured by the nation’s leaders and political authorities,” he said.
The former Anambra governor also raised concerns about attacks and displacements in several states.
According to him, residents in Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue states have reported terrorists invading farms and forests, disrupting livelihoods and forcing villagers to flee.
He said more than 14,000 civilians have already been registered as internally displaced persons in Kadarko area of Nasarawa State.
Obi also cited recent incidents in other parts of the country, including the abduction of travellers along the Kishi–Igbeti road in Oyo State, attacks by gunmen in Ondo State and repeated deadly assaults in Kebbi State.
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate further pointed to the recent kidnapping incident in Kubwa area of Abuja, where about 19 people, including women and children, were abducted from their homes.
“The wave of terror has now brazenly crept into our nation’s capital,” he said, warning that insecurity has become a national crisis affecting civilians and security personnel alike.
Obi criticised political leaders for focusing on election politics rather than addressing the security crisis.
“The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens,” he said.
“Yet the response from the government in power to these incidents has been dead silence, as if Nigerian lives no longer matter.”
He urged authorities to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens, stressing that Nigerians deserve leadership committed to restoring security, dignity and hope across the country.
Nigerians react on social media
Nnaemeka said, “To know that these are not just statistics, but human lives being snuffed out in the most horrible ways, is heartbreaking.
Lives no longer seem to matter in Nigeria. Just a few days ago, the United States received the bodies of six soldiers killed in an official war with full state honours. But here, hundreds of our gallant men and women of the armed forces are buried almost like fowls, without any state honour for these fallen heroes — not in war, but due to attacks by internal non-state actors.
If those who defend the nation are treated this way, how much less the ‘ordinary civilians’ who are killed daily? The state does not want the nation and the world to know the true scale of deaths recorded; that is why they are hidden from public view and quietly buried.
May God help this country, because it may take divine intervention for help to come not through the kind of elections currently held in Nigeria.”
Ifiok Davids wrote, “Nigerians have become docile, too adaptive to uncomfortable situations, and have largely lost hope in the presidency. Since the APC leadership has chosen to remain silent on terrorism and instead focus on politics, it is time for Nigerians to take the protest to their doorstep. Millions should march to Aso Rock.”
Segun said, “With all due respect, sir, the opposition against the APC is lazy and weak. They can do better. In my opinion, radio stations, television stations, and every available platform should be flooded with the opposition’s message. One would think the APC is merely contesting an election, whereas they are already in power.”
