Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent wave of killings in Kwara State, describing the incident as tragic and indicative of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor said he was “deeply saddened” by reports that gunmen attacked communities including Woro and Nuku, allegedly killing about 150 people.
Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the Kwara State Government and residents affected by the attacks.
“Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation,” he wrote.
He warned that the persistent violence across various parts of the country underscores the urgent need for decisive action, noting that Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated beyond levels seen in some conflict-ridden nations.
“These recurring acts of violence across our country — now worse than what occurs in some countries at war — underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge,” Obi stated.
The former presidential candidate called on relevant authorities to act swiftly by restoring peace in the affected communities, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, and reassuring citizens of their safety.
The killings have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders, many of whom have called for intensified security operations and a stronger military presence in the region.
In response to the attacks, security personnel have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further violence, while government officials have assured the public that those responsible will be identified and prosecuted.
