Nigeria Is Facing Grave Security Emergency— Peter Obi Mourns Slain Army Major General
The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for 2027, Peter Obi, has described Nigeria's worsening insecurity as a “grave security emergency,” following the reported death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in the custody of kidnappers and fresh attacks by bandits and terrorists in parts of the country.
Obi, in a statement on Saturday, expressed shock and sadness over the death of the retired senior military officer, while also condemning recent attacks in Sokoto and Kwara states that reportedly left several people dead and many others abducted.
“I received with deep shock and sadness the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers,” the former governor of Anambra wrote.
He noted that before receiving news of the retired general’s death, he had also been briefed on renewed attacks by criminal gangs in Sokoto and Kwara states.
According to him, armed bandits reportedly blocked a market route in Sokoto State and abducted traders, while terrorists invaded communities in Kwara State, kidnapping scores of residents and killing innocent citizens.
“The armed bandits reportedly blocked a market route in Sokoto and abducted traders, while terrorists invaded communities in Kwara State, kidnapping scores of citizens and killing innocent people. These incidents are not isolated tragedies; they are clear manifestations of the deepening security crisis confronting our nation,” he stated.
Obi described the death of Major General Abubakar as particularly painful, noting that the retired officer dedicated much of his life to defending the country and safeguarding its citizens.
“It is tragic that a man who served his fatherland with honour, rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and retired after years of meritorious service, would meet such a heartbreaking end at the hands of criminal elements,” he said.
He added, “His death is a national tragedy and a sobering indictment of the insecurity that has engulfed our country.”
The former presidential candidate warned that the growing wave of kidnappings, killings and attacks across the country underscored the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“When traders can no longer travel safely to markets, farmers cannot access their farms, communities live under constant fear, and even retired senior military officers are not spared from the menace of kidnapping and violent crime, it becomes evident that our nation is facing a grave security emergency,” Obi said.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, arguing that the continued loss of lives and displacement of communities reflected a failure to adequately secure citizens.
“Every life lost, every citizen abducted, and every community displaced represent a painful failure of our collective duty to protect the Nigerian people,” he said.
Obi further lamented that insecurity was spreading across different parts of the country despite ongoing efforts to combat criminality.
“The recurring attacks in Sokoto, Kwara, and many other parts of the country demonstrate that insecurity is not only persisting but spreading in both scope and intensity,” he added.
Calling for urgent action, Obi urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt a more proactive strategy anchored on intelligence gathering, technology and improved coordination among security institutions.
“We must strengthen our security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, secure our borders, equip and motivate our security personnel, and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
The former Anambra governor warned that sustained insecurity could further undermine economic growth and national development.
“A nation where citizens live in fear cannot prosper. A nation where economic activities are disrupted daily by criminal elements cannot attract investment, create jobs, or guarantee a better future for its people,” Obi stated.
He also called for a determined effort to reclaim territories affected by criminal activities, saying, “We must urgently reclaim every part of our country from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal gangs threatening our collective existence.”
Obi extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar, members of the Armed Forces, and families of other victims of insecurity across the country.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar, his former colleagues in the Armed Forces, and all Nigerians who have lost loved ones to insecurity,” he said.
He maintained that the recurring security challenges reinforced the need for national renewal and reforms.
“The recurring tragedies and embarrassing security failures we continue to witness make the quest for a New Nigeria not only necessary but inevitable. We must build a nation where every citizen can live, work, travel, and pursue legitimate economic activities without fear,” Obi added.