A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, insisting that citizens deserve to live in peace and safety.
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor described the current security situation as a tragic collapse of governance and basic humanity. Reacting to reports from Borgaja and surrounding communities in Sokoto State, where terrorists allegedly forced residents to abandon their homes, Obi condemned the development as both “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
According to him, the situation highlights a dangerous shift in authority, with non-state actors effectively dictating the fate of communities deciding who can live where and under what conditions.
“What we are witnessing in Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, and indeed across our country, is tragic. It reflects a complete breakdown of governance and humanity,” he stated.
Obi questioned how the country reached a point where citizens are compelled to obey directives from armed groups instead of relying on protection from the government. He stressed that no nation can achieve meaningful progress when its people live under constant fear.
“This is not how a nation should function. How did we get to a point where Nigerians are taking instructions from terrorists instead of their government?” he asked.
He further described the situation as more than just a security challenge, warning that it now constitutes a national emergency. Emphasizing the fundamental role of government, Obi noted that the protection of lives and property must remain the top priority.
The remarks follow renewed attacks in eastern Sokoto, particularly in Borgaja along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis, where armed groups have carried out repeated raids in recent months. Reports indicate that the violence has led to deaths, abductions, and the displacement of residents, further deepening concerns over safety and stability in the region.
