Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to accept kidnapping, ransom demands and the killing of abducted persons as normal occurrences.
Obi made the call while reacting to fresh reports of attacks and abductions in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where some victims were reportedly killed while others remain missing.
The politician recalled raising concerns in August following reports that about 600 people, including women, children and elderly persons, had been abducted in the area. He noted that the figures were still subject to verification.
Obi also referred to a separate report alleging that bandits killed a Nigerian and sent the victim’s severed head to a community leader while demanding N50 million.
He questioned whether Nigerians should continue to regard mass abductions, ransom payments, criminal levies and forced displacement as part of everyday life.
According to Obi, if the killing of an abducted person was intended to pressure relatives or the community into paying more ransom for remaining victims, it would demonstrate the extent to which human lives were being used as bargaining tools.
He called for stronger intelligence-led security operations, improved coordination among security agencies, better equipment for security personnel and tighter border controls.
Obi also urged authorities to intensify efforts against criminal networks, stressing that the primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of citizens.
He further argued that while political activities and elections continue to attract attention, Nigerians are primarily seeking the basic freedom to live and move around without fear.
The former governor said prayers alone would not resolve the country’s insecurity challenges, insisting that concrete action was required to prevent criminal groups from exercising control over the lives of Nigerians.
His comments come amid continuing concerns over kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across parts of the country. A recent SBM Intelligence report said 7,825 people were kidnapped in 1,713 incidents between July 2025 and June 2026, while ₦7.78 billion was reportedly paid in ransom during the period.
