Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, has expressed deep concern over the increasing crime rate in Nigeria, particularly kidnappings. He described the situation as alarming, citing recent incidents of abductions and killings.
Obi referred specifically to the kidnapping of two Catholic reverend sisters along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. He also condemned the murder of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, emphasizing that the wave of violence spares no one.
“No one is currently spared from the dangerous wind of many kidnappings and killings blowing through many parts of the nation,” Obi said.
The former governor of Anambra State highlighted the insecurity’s widespread impact on sectors like agriculture, health, and education. “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.
He lamented the frequent targeting of professionals, including farmers, teachers, and lecturers, adding that such crimes undermine national development. “Just recently, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, was killed. Yesterday, 2 Reverend Sisters, one a Principal and the other a teacher who works in our different schools in Anambra state were again kidnapped,” Obi noted.
“These are people contributing immensely to our national development through their sacrifices in farms, educational and health facilities in different remote villages. Nothing justifies these kidnaps, and killings, as well as those of many Nigerians who suffer the same fate daily,” he added.
Obi urged the government to prioritize addressing these issues, expressing concern over the number of unreported cases. “This worrisome situation continues to demand urgent attention from us, the leaders. One wonders if the reported cases of kidnapping and killings are this much, then how many go unreported?” he asked.
He appealed to authorities to take decisive action, saying, “Again, I appeal to the government to employ every security arsenal at its disposal to end this menace and ensure the safe rescue of those in captivity.”
Obi’s comments underline the need for immediate and effective measures to tackle the growing insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.
