Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried the endless killings and kidnappings across the country.

“Nigeria cannot continue like this,” said Mr Obi. “We need leadership that prioritises the protection of every Nigerian life, regardless of region, religion, gender, or social status, and we deserve leaders who would provide justice for innocent citizens who are facing these calamities every day.”

He added, “But beyond security, we must also address the deeper roots of instability, poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, and lack of opportunities.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Obi condemned recent killings in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Anambra.

“In the last few days, our nation has once again been thrown into mourning by a series of heartbreaking tragedies across Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto states,” the politician stated. “From the killing of innocent worshippers, to the deaths of seven peaceful women protesters in Adamawa, to the continued attacks by bandits in Sokoto that have claimed the lives of seven more Nigerians, we are confronted with the painful daily reality that insecurity continues to threaten the very soul of our nation.”

While noting that security is the foundation upon which every other aspect of national development rests, Mr Obi said the killings and kidnappings across the country also reveal the breakdown of trust between Nigerians and the security agencies.

“Without security, our schools cannot function, our farms cannot thrive, our businesses cannot grow, and our people cannot live with dignity. The tragic killings in Anambra show a failure to protect places of worship and innocent citizens going about their lives.

“The deaths of the women protesters in Adamawa reveal the deep breakdown in trust between citizens and security agencies meant to safeguard them. And the killings in Sokoto demonstrate how banditry and terrorism continue to ravage parts of the North-West despite repeated promises of action,” he stated.

The former Anambra governor stressed the need for leadership that not only prioritises the protection of every Nigerian, regardless of region, religion, gender, or social status, but also provides justice for innocent citizens who feel the brunt of these calamities on a daily basis.

Mr Obi noted that, beyond security, we must also address the deeper roots of instability, poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, and a lack of opportunities, stressing the urgent need for renewed commitment to tackling the escalating insecurity.