BREAKING: Peter Obi condemns abduction of worshippers in Enugu, calls insecurity a national crisis

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of worshippers in Enugu State, describing the incident as another grim reminder that insecurity has become a nationwide crisis requiring urgent and collective action.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Monday titled, “Disruption of Worship Centres Now a National Calamity,” Obi expressed deep concern over the attack, saying no Nigerian should have to live in fear of attending religious services.

“I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu. It is profoundly distressing that fellow Nigerians, who had come together in divine worship seeking solace and hope, have endured such a traumatic and criminal ordeal,” he said.

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The former Anambra State governor warned that the country’s worsening security situation has gone beyond isolated incidents affecting a few states and has evolved into a national emergency.

According to him, insecurity is no longer confined to states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara or Katsina, but now threatens the safety of Nigerians across every region of the country.

“It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states. It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs or regional origins,” Obi said.

He stressed that no part of Nigeria should become a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending places of worship, pursuing education, going to work or resting in their homes.

Obi called for unity in addressing the country’s security challenges, insisting that the protection of lives should rise above partisan politics, ethnic loyalties and religious differences.

“This is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation. Security concerns must go beyond partisan politics, tribal loyalties or religious differences. It is a collective national duty that requires unity, urgency and decisive action,” he stated.

The NDC presidential candidate urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted worshippers and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

“I call on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible,” he said.

Obi also urged Nigerians to commit themselves to eliminating insecurity through all lawful means, maintaining that the sanctity of human life must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

“The inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government. We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal. Every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the country could overcome its security challenges, saying, “A New Nigeria is possible.”