Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has raised serious concerns about the alarming rise in criminal activities, particularly kidnappings, that continue to affect Nigeria.
In a post on his X account on Thursday, the former governor of Anambra State highlighted the worsening insecurity, stressing that the situation is affecting all segments of society and undermining vital sectors of the nation.
“The frequent occurrence of crimes, especially kidnapping, in the country today is worrisome and causing a lot of apprehension in the land. Today, no one is currently spared from the dangerous wind of many kidnappings and killings blowing through many parts of the nation,” Obi wrote.
He further warned of the severe consequences of the ongoing insecurity, noting that essential workers such as farmers, teachers, lecturers, and healthcare professionals—who are crucial to the nation’s development—are increasingly becoming victims of these crimes.
“This insecurity has affected every aspect of our nation, from the agricultural sector, where farmers are often chased out of their farmlands, to the health and educational sectors, where critical workers are often kidnapped or killed,” Obi stated.
The Labour Party leader pointed to recent incidents to emphasize the gravity of the situation, including the killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala and the abduction of two Reverend Sisters—one a Principal and the other a teacher—in Anambra State.
“These are individuals making immense sacrifices for our nation’s development, working in remote villages to support education, agriculture, and healthcare,” Obi said.
Obi condemned the kidnappings and killings, describing them as unjustifiable and posing a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability. He called for immediate and coordinated efforts from leaders across the country to address the crisis.
He also urged the government to mobilize all available security resources to combat the threat and ensure the safe release of those held captive.
“Nothing justifies these kidnaps and killings. This worrisome situation demands urgent attention from all leaders in the country,” Obi added.
Finally, Obi appealed to those involved in criminal activities to abandon their violent ways and embrace peace for the sake of Nigeria’s unity and progress.
