Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reacted to the reported mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the incident as “one case too many” and urging the Federal Government to urgently rescue those still being held captive.
Obi raised the concern in a statement shared on his X platform on Thursday, following reports of attacks on communities, including Dekara, and the alleged abduction of worshippers during Juma’at prayers.
According to reports cited by Obi, as many as 600 people, mainly women, children and elderly residents, may have been abducted, while about 30 others were reportedly killed. He stressed, however, that the figures were still being verified.
“This is one case too many,” Obi said, describing the reported attacks as a situation that should “shake the conscience of every Nigerian and compel urgent action from government.”
He condemned the reported abduction of worshippers in broad daylight, arguing that Nigerians should be able to feel safe in their communities and places of worship.
The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government to treat the incident as an emergency by deploying adequate security resources to rescue the victims, protect affected communities and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
“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 Criticises Political Focus on 2027 Elections
Obi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing focus of the political class on the 2027 elections while Nigerians continue to face serious security challenges.
“Our people are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election,” he said.
“Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost.”
He urged authorities to place the protection of lives and property above political considerations, stressing the need for immediate action in areas affected by insecurity.
Obi Links Infrastructure to Rescue Challenges
The former Anambra governor also highlighted infrastructure problems that he said could affect security operations in the area.
He noted reports that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge had complicated the initial rescue response in Borgu, using the situation to reiterate his call for greater attention to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
“The Police complain that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge hampered the initial rescue response in Borgu, which supports my consistent plea to concentrate on repairs of existing infrastructure,” he said.
Obi expressed solidarity with the Niger State Government, residents of the affected communities and the families of those reportedly abducted or killed.
“I stand with the Niger State Government, the good 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 said.
Tinubu Orders Rescue Operation
The reported mass abduction has renewed calls for stronger security operations in Borgu and surrounding communities.
President Bola Tinubu has also directed security agencies to commence an immediate rescue operation and provide updates on efforts to locate and recover the abducted victims.
Obi ended his statement by expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, saying: “A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
