In a recent statement shared on his official Twitter page, Peter Obi, a presidential candidate from the Labour Party, expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity and violence plaguing Nigeria.

Obi specifically highlighted the alarming increase in mindless bloodletting in the North Central region and the disruption of business and social activities in the South East, urging for immediate action to address these pressing issues.

The North Central zone of the country has experienced a surge in violent attacks, particularly in the states of Benue and Plateau.

In recent months, these attacks have taken a disturbing turn, marked by a rise in incidents of kidnapping, arson, and loss of human lives.

The rising insecurity in the country leading to mindless bloodletting, particularly in the North Central zone of the country, and the continued disruption of business and social activities in the South East are all becoming very worrisome.

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 13, 2023

According to the 1st Quarter Mass Atrocities Casualty Tracking Report, over 1,230 Nigerians lost their lives, including 79 security operatives, and more than 600 abductions were reported in the first quarter of this year alone.

Obi emphasized that if the current trend continues, the death toll could surpass the casualties recorded in the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict.

Expressing his dismay, Obi stated;

“It’s unacceptable that hundreds of innocent lives will continue to be wasted in Nigeria needlessly through communal clashes, bandits, and kidnapping activities.”

The Labour Party candidate also drew attention to the situation in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where numerous lives and properties have been lost with limited resistance from security operatives.

Obi further addressed the disruption of business and social activities in the South East, which has been attributed to a purported Sit-at-Home directive from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

However, Obi clarified that IPOB has publicly denied issuing such a directive, suggesting that the disturbances in the region are essentially criminal activities that require swift action from security agencies and the collective efforts of the people.

While commending the South East Governors for their renewed efforts to combat the rising insecurity, Obi stressed the need for a more strategic and intelligence-driven approach to alleviate the suffering of innocent citizens.

He called on security agencies to take immediate and necessary steps to curb the prevailing incidents, emphasizing the importance of preserving human lives and creating a secure environment conducive to development.

Obi urged critical stakeholders, including traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders, to continue promoting peace among their respective communities through their conduct and leadership.

He also emphasized the significance of addressing poverty and youth unemployment as a means to tackle insecurity, underscoring the importance of providing economic opportunities to alleviate the hardships faced by the people.

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