Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of worshippers in Enugu State, describing the disruption of religious activities by criminals as a national calamity that requires urgent and collective action.
In a post shared on his X account on Monday, Obi expressed deep concern over the incident, saying the kidnapping of people gathered for worship underscores the worsening insecurity across the country.
“I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu. 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,” he said.
According to Obi, the security challenge has gone beyond isolated attacks in a few states and has evolved into a nationwide crisis affecting all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or region.
“It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states like Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, or Katsina. It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or regional origins. No part of our country should be a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending religious services, pursuing education, engaging in work, or even resting in their own homes,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity, insisting that the country’s safety should not be viewed through political, ethnic or religious lenses.
“This is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation. Security concerns must go beyond partisan politics, tribal loyalties, or religious differences. It is a collective national duty that requires unity, urgency, and decisive action,” Obi said.
He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those abducted and ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
“I call on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible. Beyond this incident, we must, as a nation, dedicate ourselves to eradicating this menace through all legitimate means,” he added.
Obi stressed that protecting human life should remain the foremost responsibility of government, warning against allowing repeated attacks to become accepted as normal.
“The inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government. We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal. Every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it,” he said.
Expressing hope despite the country’s security challenges, Obi concluded: “Despite the threats, a new Nigeria is possible with God on our side.”