Obi Condemns Enugu Abduction, Declares Insecurity a National Crisis
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Nigeria's presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the abduction of worshippers in Enugu, calling it a "national calamity."
- Obi stated that insecurity has escalated from state-specific issues to a nationwide crisis affecting all Nigerians.
- He urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and action from security agencies.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly condemned the recent abduction of worshippers in Enugu State, denouncing the disruption of religious gatherings by criminal elements as a "national calamity" requiring immediate action.
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.
In a statement released on his official X account, Obi expressed deep dismay over the incident, highlighting the escalating insecurity across Nigeria. He asserted that attacks on places of worship are no longer isolated occurrences but have transformed into a pervasive national challenge impacting every citizen, irrespective of their background.
"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 stated. He emphasized that no Nigerian should live in fear of attending religious services, pursuing education, working, or even staying in their own homes.
It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states like Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, or Katsina. It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or regional origins.
Obi called for national unity, urging Nigerians to set aside political, ethnic, and religious differences to confront the security challenges collectively. He stressed that insecurity must be treated as a shared national responsibility. Furthermore, he implored security agencies to intensify their efforts to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
No part of our country should be a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending religious services, pursuing education, engaging in work, or even resting in their own homes.
Expressing optimism for a better future, Obi concluded, "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 conveyed hope that "a new Nigeria is possible with God on our side."
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.
Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.