Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has voiced serious concerns over the increasing wave of criminal activities, especially kidnappings, that are sweeping across Nigeria. In a post shared on his X handle on Thursday, the former governor of Anambra State highlighted the severe impact of this growing insecurity, emphasizing that no one is immune from the escalating violence.
Obi lamented how this surge in crime is not only creating fear among Nigerians but is also severely affecting key sectors of the economy and society. He pointed out that essential workers, including farmers, teachers, and health professionals, are often the victims of kidnappings or killings, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s development.
Widespread Impact on Society
Obi stressed that the effects of insecurity are felt in every part of the country. From the agricultural sector, where farmers are chased off their lands, to the education and health sectors, where critical workers are targeted, the nation is grappling with the consequences of unchecked violence. He specifically cited recent examples, including the killing of a manager at the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, Anambra, and the kidnapping of two reverend sisters in the state—one a principal and the other a teacher.
These individuals, Obi pointed out, contribute significantly to the nation’s development through their work in agriculture, education, and healthcare, often in remote villages. Their victimization, he argued, underscores the urgency of addressing the nation’s security crisis.
Call for Urgent Action
Obi made it clear that there is no justification for the kidnappings and killings that have become all too common in Nigeria. He stressed that these heinous acts, which have claimed the lives of countless Nigerians, require immediate attention from the country’s leaders.
The Labour Party candidate urged the government to take decisive action, leveraging all available security resources to end the menace of kidnapping and ensure the safe return of those currently held captive. Obi also appealed directly to those responsible for terrorizing the Nigerian people, urging them to reconsider their actions and stop perpetuating harm on their fellow citizens.
