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 a stark indication of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Obi said he was deeply saddened by reports that gunmen attacked communities including Woro and Nuku, allegedly killing about 150 people.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Kwara State Government and residents of the affected communities.
“Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the recurring violence across different parts of the country underscores the urgent need for decisive action, warning that Nigeria’s security challenges have 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,” he stated.
Obi called on relevant authorities to respond swiftly by restoring peace in the affected areas, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, and reassuring citizens of their safety.
The killings have continued to draw widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society organisations and community members, many of whom have called for intensified military operations and a stronger security presence in the region.
Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further attacks, while government officials have assured the public that those responsible will be identified and prosecuted.
Elijah Adeyemi
