Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent bombing in Zamfara State, describing it as heartbreaking and unacceptable, especially coming just days after a similar attack in Borno State.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi said the tragedy occurred at a time when Nigerians should have been “gathered in peace, celebrating life and hope,” but were instead confronted once again with loss and fear.
“I have just received the heartbreaking news about the bombing in Zamfara a few hours ago. This tragic report comes just days after the bombing in Borno, at a time when families should have been gathered in peace, celebrating life and hope,” he wrote.
The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as a disturbing pattern of insecurity across the country, noting that such attacks have become alarmingly frequent despite repeated assurances by the government.
“This incident is part of a troubling pattern of insecurity that has become far too normal across our country. What is most concerning is that these attacks continue despite repeated assurances from the government,” Obi stated.
Calling for a shift in national priorities, Obi stressed that the safety of citizens must take precedence, while also urging leaders to confront the underlying factors driving violence in Nigeria.
“The protection of human life must return to the forefront of our national priorities. We must also address the root causes that continue to fuel violence: poverty, unemployment, and the collapse of local economies and businesses,” he said.
According to him, neglect by leadership often breeds desperation and crime, warning that security cannot be achieved without economic productivity and opportunity.
“When people are abandoned by their leaders, desperation and crime thrive. A secure Nigeria cannot emerge without a productive Nigeria—one that creates opportunities, restores trust, and lifts citizens out of poverty,” Obi added.
He extended his condolences to families affected by the attacks in Zamfara and Borno, noting that their pain resonates with millions of Nigerians exhausted by recurring acts of terror.
“To the people of Zamfara and Borno, my deepest condolences go out to you all. Your grief is shared by millions of Nigerians who are weary of burying victims of terrorism that should have been contained long ago,” he said.
Obi concluded by urging the country to rise above excuses and embrace responsible leadership, insisting that national progress is impossible where fear dominates daily life.
“Nigeria must do better. We need to move away from excuses and embrace competence, compassion, and accountability. No country can progress when its citizens live in fear,” he declared, adding, “We owe it to every Nigerian—both those who are alive today and those we have lost—to finally build a nation where life is valued and protected.”