Peter Obi Decries Kidnapping Surge: “No One is Spared, We Can’t Burn Down Nigeria

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi expresses deep concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to restore peace and unity.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the recent election, expressed concern over the escalating crime rate in the country, particularly regarding kidnapping. He described this situation as increasingly troubling.

Obi was responding to the recent incidents of killings and kidnappings, such as the abduction of two Catholic reverend sisters by unidentified gunmen.

It has been reported that the sisters were abducted on Tuesday along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The ex-governor of Anambra State, who also denounced the murder of the College of Nursing Sciences’ Manager in Ihiala, stated that “no one is currently safe from the perilous wave of numerous kidnappings and murders sweeping across various regions of the country.”

All Nigerians are affected by the issue of insecurity, which impacts various areas of our country. In agriculture, farmers frequently have to abandon their lands, while in health and education sectors, essential workers face threats such as kidnapping or violence.

This is demonstrated by the frequent kidnappings and occasional killings of our farmers, teachers, and lecturers at various schools and universities.

Recently, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala was killed. Yesterday, two Reverend Sisters—one a Principal and the other a teacher working at different schools in Anambra State—were kidnapped again.

These individuals play a crucial role in our national development by making significant sacrifices on farms, and in educational and healthcare facilities across various remote villages. There is no justification for the kidnapping and killing of these people, or for the many Nigerians who endure similar circumstances every day.

This troubling situation requires our immediate attention as leaders. If the reported cases of kidnappings and killings are so numerous, one can only wonder how many incidents go unreported.

“Once more, I urge the government to use every security resource available to eliminate this threat and secure the safe rescue of those held captive,” Obi added.