Peter Obi Condemns Escalating Violence as Over 1,000 Nigerians Reportedly Killed
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over Nigeria's deteriorating security situation, alleging that more than 1,000 citizens have been killed and thousands abducted between January and February 2026. The former governor made these claims in a detailed social media post on Sunday, March 1, where he described the violence as surpassing that of nations officially at war.
"Politics of Zero Humanity" Criticized
Obi strongly criticized what he termed the "politics of zero humanity" prevailing in Nigeria, accusing political leaders of prioritizing 2027 election calculations over the fundamental safety of citizens. His statement highlighted the disturbing contrast between political maneuvering for future elections and the immediate security crisis facing ordinary Nigerians.
"It is profoundly disturbing that while we, the politicians, continue to obsess over the 2027 elections—spending our energy scheming about how to capture, grab, and run the next election—the first two months of 2026 have reportedly seen the killing of over 1,000 Nigerians and the abduction of several thousand others," Obi declared in his post.
Nationwide Violence Across Multiple States
The Labour Party leader detailed how violent incidents have affected numerous states across all geopolitical zones. He specifically mentioned Zamfara, Kwara, Ondo, Kebbi, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, and Plateau states as among those experiencing devastating attacks. Obi emphasized that families have been burying loved ones while communities empty due to gunshots and pervasive fear.
"In over 25 states across all geopolitical zones this year alone, there have been major violent attacks on innocent citizens, kidnappings by armed bandits, mass shootings, village invasions, and brazen assaults on worshippers and travellers," he reported.
Comparing Nigeria to War-Torn Nations
Obi made a striking comparison, asserting that "the scale of bloodshed and the number of deaths in just two months in Nigeria are even worse than what we see in countries officially at war." He lamented that the urgency of political discussions about zoning formulas, party structures, and campaign strategies far exceeds the attention given to these security tragedies.
The politician shared an emotional account of watching families in Plateau State's Doruwa Babuje community bury their dead after terrorist attacks, while media and leaders focused on party issues and 2027 election preparations. "We debate power sharing while citizens are sharing funeral programs," he observed poignantly.
Call for Prioritizing Human Life Over Politics
Obi issued a powerful call to action, urging Nigerian leaders to elevate human life to sacred status in national priorities. "Leadership is not about winning elections; it is about saving lives," he asserted. The former presidential candidate advocated for a Nigeria where governance is measured by citizen safety and dignity rather than political dominance.
He warned that history would judge leaders not by their 2027 election strategies but by their actions during this crisis. "We must choose Nigerian lives over politics. We must put Nigerians first," Obi emphasized, concluding with his signature phrase: "A New Nigeria is Possible."
The statement represents one of the most comprehensive critiques of Nigeria's security situation from a major political figure, coming as the country faces escalating violence from bandits, terrorists, and criminal elements across multiple regions.
