The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has decried the killings around the country during the Christmas break, particularly in Plateau, Katsina and Zamfara states.
In a series of posts he made on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday as part of his Christmas message and reaction to the terrorist attacks and killings in Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna and other states in the country, Obi lamented that even “some countries in open declared wars” did not experience the level of insecurity, violence and killings ongoing in Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this season of peace and love and the approach of a new year, I like to spare a thought for our compatriots in uniform.
“After my sympathy visit to the Regent of Oba Community in Anambra State for the recent horrific killing of people in a nightclub in that community; plus the mindless act of terrorism that occurred on Christmas Day in Plateau State, where the death toll is now reportedly more than 100 with over 300 injured; with the saddening acts of violence that have occurred in Zamfara and Katsina States, where farmers were killed and several others kidnapped, and the many other violent attacks in many parts of the country, which may go unreported; my thoughts went to our overstretched security operatives.
“The men and women of our armed and security services come to mind. They are our gallant troops in various battlefronts of insecurity, the policemen and women on patrol in our cities and highways, the Civil Defence Corps, and Department of State Security operatives. These illustrious citizens are often lost in our thoughts and prayers both as leaders and fellow citizens, yet they remain the guardians and protectors of our freedom as a people.
“I am also thinking of those who in the call of duty have to spend this festive season away from the comfort of their homes and the embrace of loved ones. I am referring to those who face the risk of the supreme sacrifice to protect and defend the freedom of our dear nation and the liberties that come with our democracy.
“Let us spare them our thoughts and prayers this season. A grateful nation for your services and sacrifices. God bless you all for what you do for us all. And to all the families who have lost their loved ones to these acts of violence, do accept my sincere condolences. These are very challenging times in our nation. Even some countries in open declared wars have not experienced this level of insecurity, violence and loss of human lives. Let us continue to pray for our nation that God will heal our land.”
Also, former Senate president, Bukola Saraki, said he is heartbroken and outraged over the killing of over 115 people in Plateau State.
In a post on X yesterday, Saraki said the attack is another reminder of the dire need for decisive action against the scourge of armed conflict in the country. The erstwhile Kwara governor urged the federal government to thoroughly investigate the attack, adding that “no stone should be left unturned”.
“The news of over 100 innocent lives brutally cut short, along with numerous others injured in Christmas Eve attacks perpetrated by marauding gunmen across multiple communities in Plateau State, has left me heartbroken and outraged. The audacity of the assailants and the sheer scale of the carnage are reminders of the deep-seated challenges that continue to plague our nation and the urgent need for decisive action to address the root causes of these conflicts.
“I urge the Federal Government to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this heinous act. No stone must be left unturned, and no perpetrator is allowed to go free. All the affected communities should receive justice. All well-meaning Nigerians want answers. I extend my deepest condolences to the affected communities and families of those who have lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy. I pray for speedy recovery and physical and emotional healing for the injured.”