Kehinde Fajobi
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has raised concerns over the alarming rise in crimes, particularly kidnappings, across Nigeria.
In a post on his X handle on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor described the situation as worrisome, noting that no one is spared from the wave of kidnappings and killings sweeping through the nation.
“The frequent occurrence of crimes, especially kidnapping, in the country today is worrisome, and it’s 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 said.
He lamented the impact of insecurity on critical sectors, highlighting how it disrupts agriculture, education, and healthcare.
“Every Nigerian feels the heat of insecurity, which has continued to affect 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,” he stated.
Citing recent incidents, Obi expressed dismay over the killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala and the kidnapping of two Reverend Sisters in Anambra State.
“These are people contributing immensely to our national development through their sacrifices in farms, educational and health facilities in different remote villages,” he noted.
Obi emphasised that the situation demands urgent attention from leaders and questioned how many cases go unreported if the documented ones are this troubling.
“Nothing justifies these kidnappings, killings, as well as those of many Nigerians who suffer the same fate daily,” he said, urging the government to deploy all available security measures to end the menace and secure the release of those held captive.
He also appealed to the perpetrators to reconsider their actions.
“To the criminals terrorising our people, I urge them to have a change of heart and desist from their evil ways. We must not burn down our only nation with terror and violence,” Obi added.