Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has delivered a scathing assessment of Nigeria's leadership following a devastating ten-day period marked by unprecedented security breaches and institutional decay across the nation.
A Nation in Crisis: Ten Days of Tragedy
In an emotional statement addressing the wave of violence, Obi posed the fundamental question: "Is Nigeria cursed, or are we the curse?" The political leader attributed the escalating chaos directly to leadership failures that have allowed insecurity and lawlessness to thrive unchecked.
The former Anambra State governor meticulously documented a chilling timeline of attacks that have left the nation reeling:
November 11, 2025: Six senior directors from the Ministry of Defence were kidnapped along the Kogi axis, demonstrating that even those responsible for national security are vulnerable.
November 15, 2025: A Brigadier General was brutally executed, signaling the grave dangers facing both security personnel and civilians.
November 16, 2025: Sixty-four civilians, including women and children, were abducted in Zamfara State with multiple fatalities reported.
November 17, 2025: Twenty-five schoolgirls were kidnapped in Kebbi State while their Vice Principal was killed, adding to the growing list of attacks targeting Nigeria's future generations.
November 18, 2025: Worshippers at a church in Kwara State faced violent disruption with several killed and approximately thirty-eight abducted, turning a place of sanctuary into a scene of terror.
Institutional Decay and Leadership Failure
Obi highlighted disturbing developments beyond the direct security incidents, pointing to institutional decay that threatens Nigeria's democratic foundations.
The same day as the church attack, a crisis unfolded at the PDP Wadata Plaza headquarters where security agencies allegedly worsened the situation rather than de-escalating tensions. Obi accused the government of watching with amusement while political institutions were undermined.
Perhaps most troubling was the incident during the All Nigeria Judges' Conference where judges, expected to embody neutrality, were seen standing as the APC partisan song "On Your Mandate We Shall Stand" played ahead of the President's address. This moment further eroded public trust in institutions meant to protect the rule of law.
November 19, 2025: Soldiers dispatched to rescue the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls were ambushed, revealing the inadequate support for security forces.
November 21, 2025: The nation awoke to devastating news of over three hundred schoolchildren and twelve teachers abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State.
November 22, 2025: Bandits opened fire on farmers in Kaduna, killing one person.
November 23, 2025: Terrorists ambushed and killed five police officers while injuring two others in Sabon Sara, Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.
As Obi was preparing his statement, he received yet another devastating report about the abduction of thirteen female farmers in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
The Root Cause: Leadership Choices
Peter Obi emphasized that these tragedies are not inevitable but represent the direct consequence of leadership failures. He stated unequivocally that no serious nation survives on excuses, indifference, or absentee leadership.
"Nigeria is bleeding because those elected to protect the nation have chosen comfort over courage, politics over people, and power over purpose," Obi declared.
The former presidential candidate reminded leaders that governance constitutes a duty rather than merely a title, requiring the protection of every child, community, and citizen. He called for competence, compassion, and a government that demonstrates presence when it matters most.
Addressing all Nigerians shaken by the events of the past ten days, Obi expressed solidarity: "My heart is with you. You deserve safety, you deserve peace. We deserve a government that values our lives above politics."
He concluded with a message of hope, affirming that Nigeria must rise again and that a new Nigeria remains possible despite the current challenges.
