Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Surge in Violent Attacks Across Nigeria, Calls Situation a National Tragedy ; Abuja, Nigeria

 Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a strong and urgent warning over the escalating wave of violent attacks and killings spreading across Nigeria, describing the deteriorating security situation as a “national tragedy that demands immediate and decisive intervention.”

In a statement released on Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the rising number of lives being lost daily to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal clashes, and other forms of violent crime in both urban and rural communities across the country. He condemned the seeming normalization of violence in Nigerian society and called on the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of lives and property as the most fundamental responsibility of leadership.

“Every day we wake up to news of fresh killings — in Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Imo, Kaduna, and even in the Federal Capital Territory. These are not just statistics; these are Nigerian citizens — men, women, children — who are being cut down in their prime,” Obi said. “We are witnessing a slow-motion national tragedy, and our leaders must rise beyond rhetoric to take concrete, visible, and measurable action.”

A Country Under Siege

The former Anambra State governor lamented what he called the growing desensitization of the public and government to the daily bloodshed across Nigeria. He noted that mass killings are no longer isolated incidents but have become routine, with many attacks going unreported or under-investigated. Obi emphasized that no region of the country is spared, as violence continues to manifest in different forms — from terrorist insurgency in the North-East, to herder-farmer conflicts in the North-Central, gang violence in the South-South, and politically motivated killings in the South-East.

“We are gradually slipping into a state of collective numbness, where the death of dozens is no longer shocking. This is dangerous. No nation can survive on this path of unchecked violence and loss of humanity,” he added.

A Call for Unified National Response

Obi urged the Nigerian government to urgently overhaul the nation’s security architecture, invest in intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and address the underlying socioeconomic drivers of violence — poverty, unemployment, and marginalization.

He also appealed to Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides to speak with one voice in condemning the violence and demanding accountability.

“This is not about politics. This is about the soul of our nation. We must all come together — government, civil society, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and citizens — to demand justice for the victims and protection for the living. There is no progress without peace, and no peace without justice.”

Reactions and Context

Obi’s statement comes against the backdrop of several recent tragedies, including the gruesome killing of travellers in Plateau State, continued abductions in Kaduna and Niger States, and rising cases of violent criminality in the South-East. Just this week, reports surfaced of multiple communities being razed by bandits, with residents either killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes.

Nigerians on social media have rallied behind Obi’s statement, with many expressing frustration over the government’s perceived lack of urgency in dealing with the security crisis. The hashtags #SecureNigeriaNow and #EndTheKillings have begun trending, as citizens call for immediate reforms and tangible results.

A Persistent Voice

Since the conclusion of the 2023 presidential elections, Peter Obi has remained a vocal advocate for good governance, transparency, and citizen welfare. While his bid for the presidency faced legal and political challenges, his popularity among many Nigerians—particularly the youth—has endured, making him one of the most influential political figures outside the current administration.

His latest statement reinforces his position as a principled voice in Nigeria’s fractured political landscape, one that continues to draw attention to the issues most affecting everyday citizens.

As the country continues to grapple with insecurity on multiple fronts, Obi’s alarm serves as a sobering reminder that Nigeria is at a crossroads — and without urgent action, the human cost will only continue to rise.