Niger Mass Abduction: ‘Rescue Victims, Dismantle Terrorist Enclaves,’ Obi Tells FG
Following the mass abduction of worshippers in Niger State, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to rescue the victims and work towards dismantling terrorist enclaves across the country.
Obi expressed concern over the incident, noting that about 600 people, predominantly women, children, and elderly people, may have been taken.
“The exact number is still being verified. Tragically, reports also indicate that about 30 people may have been killed. This is one case too many,” he decried.
Obi stated that 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 the government.
He lamented that Nigerians are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost.
“Government must treat this as an emergency: deploy overwhelming intelligence-led security operations, rescue every person in captivity, secure the affected communities and dismantle the networks and enclaves enabling these terrorists to operate,” he said.
Obi also noted that the police complained that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge hampered the initial rescue response in Borgu, which, he said, supports his consistent call for the repair of existing infrastructure.
He expressed support for the Niger State Government, the people of Niger State, and the families of those abducted and killed.
“We must bring our people home and restore the confidence that government exists to protect them,” he added.
