Obi Decries Normalization Of Violence As Kwara Youths Make Distress Call
Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has decried the pervasive insecurity in the country, saying abductions and killings have become a daily reality for Nigerians.
In a statement on his X handle yesterday, the former governor of Anambra State reacted to the abduction of 44 worshippers from a mosque in Zamfara State, warning that the normalisation of violence is eroding the nation’s dignity.
“Insecurity has become a normal everyday occurrence in Nigeria,” he wrote.
“While news headlines are still celebrating a purported peace deal in Katsina, we were again confronted with another unfortunate reality that 55 of our fellow citizens were abducted in neighbouring Zamfara State,” Obi added. He lamented that behind the figures of the abducted or killed were human lives and shattered families.
The politician continued: “Behind every number are families torn apart, dreams cut short, and futures stolen.
“A nation cannot grow or prosper when its citizens live in perpetual fear. It is now as though the lives of Nigerians do not matter. What is the value of the life of one Nigerian, when hundreds are kidnapped and killed daily without a national emergency on insecurity? If the lives of many are taken for granted, how then can the life of one Nigerian be valued?”
He faulted what he described as the government’s silence in the face of bloodshed, stressing that leadership’s foremost duty is the protection of life.
“When a government remains silent in the face of constant bloodshed, it diminishes the dignity of every single citizen. The first duty of leadership is to protect life,” Obi stated.
Calling for urgent action, he added: “We must urgently prioritise the protection of lives and property. Our people deserve a country where peace is not an option, but the standard. Nigerians will not accept insecurity as their fate.”
THIS is even as youths of Isanlu-Isin in Kwara South Senatorial District have sent a save-our-soul message to the federal, state and local government authorities to rescue them from ceaseless banditry and related social concerns in their community.
They expressed fear that the unchecked menace may force them to relocate to a safer haven. Under the auspices of the Youth Forum, the youngsters wept over the rising insecurity in the community, urging the government at all levels to urgently provide a lasting solution to the menace.
According to its president, Alabede Solomon Olu, the group recalled that several lives and properties had been lost to armed criminals, who have continued to terrorise them.
A statement in Ilorin urged the Isin Local Council, state government, and federal security agencies to step up efforts to protect the community.
“The National Assembly and the Federal Government should save our people from these invasions and attacks. Isanlu Isin was once one of the safest towns, but we are now under siege,” the youths pleaded.
HOWEVER, the Katsina government has confirmed that the spate of banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling has substantially reduced by as much as 70 per cent in the state.
A statement by a spokesperson for the state governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the reduction followed a comprehensive policing strategy and sustained offensive against criminal elements.
Mohammed said the reduction level was made known by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, during a high-stakes consultation on security and governance, organised by Governor Dikko Radda to brief indigenes on security progress in the state.
The statement read in part: “According to Mu’azu, the well-designed community policing approach, coupled with intermittent offensive operations against bandits and their enclaves, has forced many criminal groups to reach out to community leaders seeking peace accords.
“Notable bandit leaders, who have indicated willingness to lay down arms, include Audu Lankai and others from Jibia Local Government Area; Abu Radde and associates from Batsari; Ruga Kachalla and his group from Safana LGA; Ummaru Manore and others from Danmusa LGA; Sani Muhidingi and associates from Kurfi LGA; and Wada and his group from Musawa LGA.
“The commissioner revealed that community leaders are currently working to secure similar peace accords in Sabuwa (Risku), Faskari (Isa Kwashen Garwa/Adamu Alieru), and Kankara (Mustapha Babaro) local government areas.
“The security strategy has yielded significant results in rescue operations, with 143 kidnap victims freed from frontline and vulnerable local government areas. The breakdown shows 67 victims rescued from Sayaya in Matazu LGA, and 76 from Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi LGA.”
The spokesperson said the security briefing was part of the governor’s broader consultation with sons and daughters of Katsina to keep them informed of developments in their home state.
No comments