Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity in parts of Nigeria, stating that citizens deserve to live in peace and not under the control or intimidation of terrorist groups.
Obi made this known in a strongly worded statement shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, March 22, reacting to troubling reports that terrorists are allegedly issuing directives to communities, forcing residents to abandon their ancestral homes.
The former Anambra State governor described the situation as both “tragic” and “unacceptable,” warning that it signals a dangerous erosion of governance and the rule of law across affected regions.
In his reaction, Peter Obi specifically referenced developments in Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, where reports indicate that armed groups have effectively taken control, dictating terms to residents without resistance.
“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,” Obi stated.
He further lamented that terrorists appear to be operating with impunity, issuing orders that civilians feel compelled to obey out of fear for their lives.
According to him, the situation represents a fundamental failure of the state, where non-state actors have assumed powers that rightfully belong to the government.
“Reports that terrorists can issue orders for citizens to flee their ancestral homes without consequence are both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he added. “It means that in parts of our country today, non-state actors have assumed the authority of the state—deciding who lives where and under what conditions.”
Obi questioned how Nigeria arrived at such a critical juncture, where citizens appear to rely on directives from armed groups rather than protection from government institutions.
“How did we get to a point where Nigerians are taking instructions from terrorists instead of their government?” he asked, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The statement reflects growing national concern over insecurity in various parts of the country, particularly in northern regions where communities have faced repeated attacks, displacement, and threats from armed groups.
Observers say the development in Sokoto is part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has seen bandits and террорист elements exerting influence over rural communities, sometimes imposing levies, controlling movement, and enforcing their own rules.
The Labour Party chieftain stressed that the issue should no longer be treated as an isolated security challenge but rather as a full-scale national emergency requiring urgent and decisive action.
“I have consistently maintained that no nation can progress when its people live in fear,” Peter Obi said. “This is no longer just a security issue; it is a national emergency.”
He reiterated that the foremost responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property, warning that failure to do so undermines the very foundation of nationhood.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Nigerians deserve to live in peace, not at the mercy of terror,” he concluded.
Obi’s remarks have resonated with many Nigerians, particularly on social media, where users have echoed similar frustrations over persistent insecurity and the perceived inability of authorities to effectively address the threat.
The reports from Sokoto State have further intensified calls for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering, and greater accountability from those in charge of safeguarding the nation.
Security analysts warn that allowing non-state actors to gain such influence poses a serious threat not only to affected communities but also to national stability. They argue that restoring confidence in government authority will require both immediate intervention and long-term structural reforms.
As the situation continues to unfold, many Nigerians are looking to the federal and state governments for decisive action to reclaim affected areas and ensure the safety of residents.
For communities reportedly under threat, the need for intervention is urgent. The ability of citizens to live freely in their homes without fear remains a fundamental expectation—one that, according to Peter Obi, must not be compromised under any circumstances.
His statement adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding a renewed commitment to security, justice, and the protection of all Nigerians, regardless of their location.
As the debate continues, one message stands clear: the safety and dignity of citizens must remain at the centre of governance, and any situation that undermines this principle must be addressed with urgency and resolve.
