Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to accept abductions, ransom demands and killings as normal, following fresh reports of violence in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on X while reacting to reports that some victims abducted in the area had been killed, with several others still missing.
He recalled raising the alarm on August 27 over reports that about 600 people, including women, children and elderly Nigerians, had been abducted in the area. At the time, reports also indicated that other victims had been killed.
The NDC candidate also cited a separate report alleging that bandits had beheaded a Nigerian and delivered the severed head to a community leader in connection with a N50 million levy.
“If the reported killing was intended to increase pressure on the community and extract more money for those still being held, then we must recognise the terrible reality before us: human life is being deliberately turned into a bargaining instrument,” Obi said.
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He argued that mass abductions, ransom payments, criminal levies and the displacement of communities should not become accepted realities in Nigeria.
“We must therefore ask ourselves a fundamental question: At what point do we, as a nation, decide that this is no longer acceptable?” he asked.
Obi urged the government to intensify intelligence-led security operations, improve coordination among security agencies, equip security personnel adequately, strengthen border protection and maintain sustained pressure on criminal networks.
“The primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of its citizens,” he said.
He noted that while politicians are focused on preparations for elections, Nigerians are seeking the basic assurance of being able to live without fear.
“Our prayers must be matched with action. No criminal group should determine who lives or dies anywhere in Nigeria,” Obi said.