Obi On Niger Mass Abduction: One Case Too Many

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has bemoaned the recent abduction of more than 500 persons in Niger state, describing the development as worrisome and one too many.

Scores of Islamic worshipers including women, children and elderly were, last week, abducted by suspected terrorists of the Lakurawa sect, in some communities in the state.

The suspected terrorists have since shared a video of the abductees in the forest, drawing criticism from not a few Nigerians who have demanded the victims immediate rescue.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies in the country to rescue the abductees and bring their abductors to justice.

Reacting, Obi who is also the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC described the incident as “one case too many” calling for urgent action on the part of the government to stem the tide.

He said a situation where terrorists whimsically seize worshipers in broad day light, without any resistance is no longer acceptable, wondering why the victims have yet to be found, many days after, by security agencies.

He said the government appears to be focusing more on the upcoming election instead of taking the necessary action to ensure that Nigerians are safe.

“Our people are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election.

“Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost,” Obi said in a Facebook page on Thursday.

In his marching order to the security agencies in the country to rescue the victims, President Tinubu said the terrorists are cowards and enemies of the country, vowing however that “terror’ win not win.

Tinubu: “Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenseless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.”