BY GODWIN OBI
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the rising spate of attacks and killings of security personnel across Nigeria, describing the development as both “tragic and unacceptable.”
In a heartfelt message shared via his official X handle on Tuesday, the former Governor of Anambra State expressed grief over the loss of lives of men and women serving in different security agencies, including the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as community vigilante groups.
Obi noted that the wave of violence against security operatives in recent weeks has plunged the nation into repeated mourning, stressing that their sacrifices must never be taken for granted.
“Over the past weeks, the country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. The casualties range from our gallant soldiers, to members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to our brave policemen and even community vigilante members.
Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation. These recurring killings should serve as a wake-up call to us leaders to better equip and motivate our security operatives. Security must now become the foundation of governance,” Obi stated.
He added that the sacrifices of these personnel must serve as a moral charge on leaders to prioritize security and welfare, insisting that the lives of security operatives—and by extension, those of their families—must never be treated as expendable.
Obi also called for deliberate measures to support the dependents of fallen heroes, arguing that compensation and welfare support for their families is not an act of charity, but an obligation of justice.
“Nigeria cannot continue to bury our men in uniform and leave their families abandoned. Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity; it is justice for those who laid down their lives so the rest of us can live.”
He stressed that securing Nigeria must be seen as the cornerstone of governance, as no meaningful progress or development can occur in an environment where insecurity prevails.
Obi concluded his message with prayers for the repose of the souls of all fallen heroes and words of comfort for their bereaved families.
“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort.”
By his remarks, Obi joined a growing chorus of voices urging the government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, ensure adequate welfare for personnel, and address the persistent challenges of insecurity that continue to claim lives across the country.
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