The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of church worshippers in Enugu State, lamenting that the incident demonstrates that insecurity has become a national crisis in Nigeria.
ThelensNG reports that gunmen abducted three people, including a seminarian, during a morning service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, in the Affa community of Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday.
The Enugu State Police Command disclosed that security operatives had rescued one victim, while efforts to secure the release of the two others still in captivity have been intensified.
Reacting to the development on Monday, Obi stated: “It is profoundly distressing that fellow Nigerians, who had come together in divine worship seeking solace and hope, have endured such a traumatic and criminal ordeal.”
He noted that abductions are no longer isolated incidents affecting specific states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, or Katsina.
“It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or regional origins,” he said.
Obi argued that no part of Nigeria should be a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending religious services, pursuing education, engaging in work, or even resting in their own homes.
The former Anambra State governor pointed out that this is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation, stressing that security concerns must go beyond partisan politics, tribal loyalties, or religious differences.
While noting that security is a collective national duty that requires unity, urgency, and decisive action, Obi called on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring those responsible to justice.
He emphasised that beyond this incident, Nigeria must dedicate itself to eradicating the menace through all legitimate means.
Obi further stated that the inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government, reiterating that Nigeria cannot accept tragedies as the new normal.
He added that every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it.
