Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in Kebbi and Zamfara States, describing the incidents as tragic, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Obi, who issued his statement from Monaco, Italy, said he received the news of the attacks with “shock and deep sadness,” noting that the abduction of schoolgirls and the killing of innocent citizens should never be normalised in any society.
“My heart is heavy in faraway Monaco as I receive the heartbreaking news from Kebbi State about the attack on Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, which led to the abduction of several young female students and the killing of a staff member,” he said.
He lamented that the tragedy in Kebbi was not isolated, pointing to another attack in Zamfara State where armed groups reportedly killed three residents and abducted about 64 others in Fegin Baza village, Tsafe LGA.
“These are devastating and unacceptable losses,” he stressed.
Obi urged the Nigerian government at all tiers to urgently overhaul the country’s security architecture, intensify rescue efforts, and prioritise the protection of schools and vulnerable communities.
“Entire communities are living in fear; schools—safe havens for learning—are now vulnerable targets. Families are being torn apart, and innocent lives are being destroyed. This is not the Nigeria we should accept,” he said, calling for renewed commitment to securing the nation.
He emphasised that children must never be left at the mercy of terrorists, praying for the repose of the staff member killed in the Kebbi attack and for strength and comfort for the affected families.
“At this difficult time, we must strengthen our resolve to secure every part of our nation,” Obi said. “Nigeria must do better. Our children deserve safety, and our people deserve peace.”
He concluded with a prayer for the safe return of the abducted girls and divine guidance for security agencies working to rescue them.