Obi Sends Strong Message to Tinubu as Over 100 Killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo, "It is Time"
- Outrage has been noted from the opposition in Nigeria after dozens of people were mindlessly killed, in latest attacks to hit several parts of the country
- Fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno state have left no fewer than 63 people dead, including five soldiers and 58 civilians
- Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warned that Nigeria is drifting into a war-like situation
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.
FCT, Abuja - Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, on Sunday, September 7, asserted that 'Nigeria is bleeding'.
Obi, therefore, asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare war on insecurity.
Source: Twitter
Obi tackles Tinubu over insecurity
Legit.ng recalls that a bloody weekend across Nigeria left at least 102 people dead, including security personnel and suspected bandits, in a series of violent incidents reported in Borno, Sokoto, Edo and Katsina states, according to Vanguard.
The weekend’s violence underscores the continuing security challenges facing multiple regions across Nigeria. From banditry and kidnapping in the northwest to insurgency in the northeast, the clashes have resulted in significant loss of life and heightened insecurity for vulnerable communities.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the terrorism-related incidents, which have so far displaced some millions and has spread to neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
Reacting, Obi, a presidential hopeful, urged President Tinubu to "to mobilise every resource, every agency, every state, and to suspend all distractions while we begin the process of reclaiming our nation from lawlessness."
He said in a statement he personally signed, seen by Legit.ng:
"'Bloody Weekend: over 100 Killed in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Edo.' This grim headline captures the frightening reality reflected in our weekend papers.
"The killing of eight NSCDC officers, the abduction of a Chinese national in Edo, the kidnapping of passengers on the Benin–Iyere–Oluku road, and the slaughter of five soldiers and 58 civilians in Borno are not isolated tragedies. They are stark evidence that Nigeria is in the grip of a full-blown security emergency.
"My deepest condolences go to the families of our fallen heroes. Their courage reminds us that we still have men and women who are willing to risk everything for our safety. Their killers must be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten."
Source: Twitter
Obi continued:
"When over 100 Nigerians are killed in a single weekend, our casualty figures rival those of countries officially at war. This is no longer business as usual. It is time to declare a national war on insecurity — to mobilise every resource, every agency, every state, and to suspend all distractions while we begin the process of reclaiming our nation from lawlessness.
"Even foreign trips by government officials should be put on hold until the situation is brought under control. True leadership must be seen at home, personally coordinating the war against insecurity. Junketing around the world under the pretence of wooing investors, while the country bleeds, is to live in denial. Investors will not come into a war zone."
He concluded:
"No nation can prosper while its citizens live under siege. History shows that insecurity is the quickest path to national collapse — Somalia and Libya stand as painful warnings.
"We must act now, with urgency and courage, to prevent a total descent into anarchy and rebuild Nigeria into a safe, secure, and productive nation for all."
Obi on Tinubu's foreign trip
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Obi criticised President Tinubu for his frequent overseas trips, describing them as insensitive.
Obi said it appears Nigeria is not conducive to the president, adding that tragedies are happening in the country, whereas Tinubu chose not to visit the grieving locations.
Source: Legit.ng
