Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the reported mass abduction in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the incident as “one case too many” and urging the Federal Government to urgently rescue those still in captivity.
Obi raised the alarm in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, expressing concern over reports of attacks on communities, including Dekara, and the alleged abduction of worshippers during Juma’at prayers.
According to him, reports suggest that up to 600 people, mostly women, children and elderly residents, may have been abducted, while about 30 others were reportedly killed. He, however, stressed that the figures were still being verified.
“This is one case too many,” Obi said, describing the incident as one that should “shake the conscience of every Nigerian and compel urgent action from government.”
He condemned the reported abduction of worshippers in broad daylight, stressing that Nigerians should not be left vulnerable to attacks in their communities and places of worship.
Obi called on the government to declare the situation an emergency and deploy sufficient security resources to rescue the victims, protect affected communities and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
“Government must treat this as an emergency: deploy overwhelming intelligence-led security operations, rescue every person in captivity, secure the affected communities and dismantle the networks and enclaves enabling these terrorists to operate,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the political class for what he described as an increasing focus on the 2027 elections while Nigerians continue to face insecurity.
“Our people are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election,” he said.
“Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost.”
Obi further highlighted infrastructure challenges that could be hindering security operations in the affected area. He said reports that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge had delayed the initial rescue response reinforced his call for the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
“The Police complain that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge hampered the initial rescue response in Borgu, which supports my consistent plea to concentrate on repairs of existing infrastructure,” he said.
He expressed solidarity with the Niger State Government, residents of the affected communities and the families of those abducted and killed.
“I stand with the Niger State Government, the good people of Niger State and the families of those abducted and killed. We must bring our people home and restore the confidence that government exists to protect them,” Obi said.
The reported mass abduction has renewed calls for intensified security operations in Borgu. President Bola Tinubu has also directed security agencies to commence an immediate rescue operation and provide updates on efforts to locate and recover those abducted.
Obi concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK.”
