Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the previous election, has voiced his deep concern regarding the escalating crime rates in Nigeria, particularly the alarming prevalence of kidnappings.
His remarks follow a series of recent violent incidents, including the shocking abduction of two Catholic nuns by unidentified gunmen. Reports indicate that these sisters were kidnapped on Tuesday along Ufuma Road in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The former governor of Anambra State condemned the brutal killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, stating, “No one is safe from the perilous wave of kidnappings and murders sweeping across various regions of our country.”
Obi further emphasized that the pervasive insecurity affects all Nigerians, impacting numerous sectors, including agriculture, where farmers are frequently driven from their fields, as well as health and education, where essential personnel are often targeted.
“This is evident in the ongoing abductions and, at times, the tragic killings of our farmers, educators, and university lecturers,” he remarked.
He highlighted the recent murder of the Nursing College manager and the abduction of two Reverend Sisters, one of whom serves as a Principal while the other is a teacher in local schools in Anambra State.
“These individuals play vital roles in our national development through their dedicated work in agriculture, education, and healthcare in various rural areas. There is no justification for these kidnappings and killings, which affect countless Nigerians daily,” Obi lamented.
He called for immediate action from leaders, questioning the true scale of the crisis given the high number of reported incidents. “If these cases of kidnapping and murder are this prevalent, how many more go unreported?” he pondered.
Obi concluded by urging the government to utilize all available security measures to combat this dire situation and ensure the safe return of those who have been taken captive.
