Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi has expressed concern over reports of a mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, following attacks on communities including Dekara.
Obi raised the alarm in a statement posted on his X account, saying reports indicated that worshippers were abducted during Juma’at prayers.
According to Obi, as many as 600 people, predominantly women, children and elderly residents, may have been taken into captivity. He added that the exact number was still being verified.
He also said reports indicated that approximately 30 people may have been killed in the attacks.
Obi described the development as “one case too many,” questioning how Nigerians could be attacked in broad daylight, abducted in large numbers from a place of worship and taken into forested areas.
“The fact that Nigerians can be attacked in broad daylight, in their place of worship, abducted in such numbers and taken into the forests should shake the conscience of every Nigerian and compel urgent action from government,” Obi said.
He called on the government to treat the situation as an emergency, urging the deployment of “overwhelming intelligence-led security operations” to rescue those in captivity, secure affected communities and dismantle the networks and enclaves allegedly enabling the terrorists to operate.
Obi also criticised what he described as the preoccupation of the political class with the next election while Nigerians remain exposed to insecurity.
“Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost,” he said.
Obi Links Rescue Difficulties to Infrastructure
The former presidential candidate also referred to reports that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge had hampered the initial rescue response by security personnel in Borgu.
He said the situation reinforced his longstanding call for greater attention to the repair of existing infrastructure.
Obi expressed solidarity with the Niger State Government, residents of the state and families of those reportedly abducted or killed.
“We must bring our people home and restore the confidence that government exists to protect them,” he said.
He concluded his statement by saying: “A New Nigeria is Possible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
