By Nwosa Hamilton
Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action following reports of deadly attacks and mass abductions in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Obi, reacting to reports of attacks on communities including Dekara, said worshippers were allegedly abducted during Juma’at prayers, while preliminary reports suggested that as many as 600 people, predominantly women, children and elderly residents, could have been taken captive.
He noted that the exact number of abductees was still being verified, while reports indicated that about 30 people may have been killed in the attacks.
Describing the incident as “one case too many,” Obi said the scale of the reported attacks should compel the government to treat the situation as an emergency.
He urged security agencies to deploy intelligence-led operations to rescue those in captivity, protect affected communities and dismantle the networks and forest enclaves allegedly enabling the terrorists to operate.
Obi also raised concerns over reports that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge had hampered the initial rescue response, using the development to renew his call for the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure across the country.
He warned against allowing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections to overshadow the government’s primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost,” Obi said.
He expressed solidarity with the Niger State Government, residents of the affected communities and families of those reportedly abducted or killed, while calling for the safe return of those in captivity and the restoration of public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens.
Obi concluded by reiterating his political message that “A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
