NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, describing recent incidents of kidnapping and killings across parts of the country as evidence of a growing national crisis.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Obi said he was saddened by reports of the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held by kidnappers. He also lamented fresh attacks by bandits and terrorists in Sokoto and Kwara states.
“I received with deep shock and sadness the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor said he had earlier received reports of renewed attacks in Sokoto and Kwara, where armed groups allegedly abducted traders and residents while killing innocent citizens.
According to him, “The armed bandits reportedly blocked a market route in Sokoto and abducted traders, while terrorists invaded communities in Kwara State, kidnapping scores of citizens and killing innocent people, are heartbreaking and alarming.”
Obi described the incidents as more than isolated attacks, arguing that they reflect the deepening security challenges facing the country.
“These incidents are not isolated tragedies; they are clear manifestations of the deepening security crisis confronting our nation,” he said.
Reflecting on the reported death of the retired military officer, Obi noted that it was particularly painful given the deceased’s years of service to the nation.
“But particularly painful is the reported death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, a distinguished military officer who dedicated a significant part of his life to defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens,” he said.
He added, “It is tragic that a man who served his fatherland with honour, rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and retired after years of meritorious service, would meet such a heartbreaking end at the hands of criminal elements.”
Obi described the incident as “a national tragedy and a sobering indictment of the insecurity that has engulfed our country.”
The former presidential candidate warned that the growing wave of insecurity has reached a dangerous level, noting that ordinary citizens, farmers, traders and even retired senior military officers are no longer safe.
“When traders can no longer travel safely to markets, farmers cannot access their farms, communities live under constant fear, and even retired senior military officers are not spared from the menace of kidnapping and violent crime, it becomes evident that our nation is facing a grave security emergency,” he stated.
Calling for urgent action, Obi stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
“Security remains the foremost responsibility of any government. Every life lost, every citizen abducted, and every community displaced represent a painful failure of our collective duty to protect the Nigerian people,” he said.
He further argued that attacks in Sokoto, Kwara and other parts of the country indicate that insecurity is expanding both in reach and intensity.
Obi urged the Federal Government and security agencies to move beyond rhetoric and adopt a more effective strategy in tackling criminality.
“I once again urge the Federal Government and our security agencies to move beyond rhetoric and adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-based, and coordinated approach to tackling insecurity,” he said.
He called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved border security, better equipment for security personnel and the prosecution of those behind violent crimes.
“A nation where citizens live in fear cannot prosper. A nation where economic activities are disrupted daily by criminal elements cannot attract investment, create jobs, or guarantee a better future for its people,” Obi added.
The former governor also extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, his former military colleagues and victims of insecurity across the country.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar, his former colleagues in the Armed Forces, and all Nigerians who have lost loved ones to insecurity,” he said.
Obi concluded by saying that the recurring security challenges underscore the need for national renewal.
“The recurring tragedies and embarrassing security failures we continue to witness make the quest for a New Nigeria not only necessary but inevitable,” he stated, adding: “We must build a nation where every citizen can live, work, travel, and pursue legitimate economic activities without fear.”
He ended the message with his signature phrase: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
