The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described the recent abduction of worshippers in Enugu State as a tragic reminder that insecurity in Nigeria has grown beyond isolated incidents and has now become a national calamity requiring urgent collective action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Obi said he was deeply disturbed by reports that worshippers were abducted while gathered for religious service, noting that the incident highlights the worsening security situation across the country.
“I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu,” Obi said. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor said places of worship should be among the safest spaces in any society and lamented that Nigerians are increasingly living in fear even in environments traditionally regarded as sacred.
According to him, the attack in Enugu demonstrates that insecurity is no longer confined to a few states but has spread across the country, threatening citizens irrespective of ethnicity, religion or region.
“It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara or Katsina,” he stated. “It has escalated into a national crisis that threatens every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic background, religious belief or regional origin.”
Obi warned that no part of Nigeria should become a place where citizens are afraid to attend church, mosque or other religious gatherings, pursue education, engage in legitimate work or even sleep peacefully in their homes.
He said the growing frequency of attacks on worship centres, schools, communities and travellers points to a broader breakdown of public safety that must be confronted with urgency.
“No nation can thrive when its citizens live in constant fear,” he said. “The disruption of worship centres is not merely a security breach; it is a moral and national tragedy that strikes at the heart of our collective humanity.”
The former presidential candidate stressed that the worsening insecurity should not be treated as a partisan issue and urged political leaders across party lines to work together in the national interest.
“This is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation,” Obi said. “Security concerns must rise above partisan politics, tribal loyalties and religious differences. The protection of lives and property is a collective national responsibility that demands unity, urgency and decisive action.”
He called on all security agencies, including the police, military, intelligence services and other relevant authorities, to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted worshippers.
“I call on all relevant security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure the safe return of those abducted and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for this heinous act,” he said.
Obi added that beyond the immediate rescue operation, Nigeria must commit itself to addressing the root causes of insecurity through lawful and comprehensive measures.
“We must dedicate ourselves as a nation to eradicating this menace through every legitimate means available to us,” he stated.
The former governor emphasised that the sanctity of human life must remain the highest priority of any responsible government and warned against normalising repeated incidents of kidnapping, killings and violence.
“The inviolability of human life must remain the supreme obligation of government,” Obi said. “We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal. Every Nigerian life is precious, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it.”
He urged governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing, support security personnel and address the social and economic conditions that often fuel criminality.
Obi also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and community groups to continue promoting peace, vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
According to him, national recovery from the current security crisis will require not only stronger institutions but also a renewed commitment to justice, compassion and responsible leadership.
Despite the grim situation, Obi expressed hope that Nigeria could still overcome its present challenges if leaders act with sincerity and citizens remain united.
“Even in the midst of these painful developments, I remain convinced that a new Nigeria is possible,” he said. “With God on our side, and with courageous, compassionate and accountable leadership, our nation can rise above fear and reclaim peace, justice and security for all.”
The statement comes amid growing public concern over the spread of kidnapping and violent attacks in several parts of the country, including recent incidents in communities across the South-East. Many Nigerians have continued to demand stronger security measures and more effective government responses to the escalating insecurity.
