Dare Babalola
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, pointing to the country’s ranking among the most terrorised nations globally in the latest Global Terrorism Index.
In a statement on X, Obi, on Thursday, described the report as a painful indictment of failed leadership, noting Nigeria recorded one of the highest increases in deaths linked to terrorism.
“The latest Global Terrorism Index report ranks Nigeria among the most terrorized nations in the world, showing one of the highest increases in deaths from terrorism. This is a painful indictment of failed leadership,” he said.
He lamented that while many countries are making progress in reducing terrorism, Nigeria is experiencing the opposite trend.
“While many countries are seeing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction.
“This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty.”
The former Anambra State governor pointed to ongoing security threats across the country, including insurgency and widespread violence.
“From the insurgency of Boko Haram to the growing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province, the crisis of kidnapping, and unchecked violence in our rural communities by heavily armed bandits, Nigerians are dying daily while those in power continue to feast,” Obi added.
Questioning the role of government, he said, “What is the purpose of government if it cannot protect lives? Why are we normalizing tragedy while other nations make progress?”
Calling for urgent action, Obi stressed that the situation must not be accepted as normal.
“This is not the Nigeria we should accept. We cannot continue down this path. It is time to move from excuses to action, and from failure to measurable progress,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing citizens’ right to safety, saying, “A safe and secure Nigeria is not too much to ask; it is the right of every citizen, and it must be delivered.”
