Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Government following a deadly terrorist attack in Niger State that claimed the lives of over 40 individuals. The assault, which targeted the Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area, has sparked widespread fear and prompted a mass exodus of residents.
Obi Decries Normalisation of Violence
In a statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former governor of Anambra State expressed profound dismay at what he termed the "growing normalisation of mass killings" across Nigeria. Obi argued that the incident in Niger is not isolated but part of a distressing nationwide pattern of violence marring the start of the new year.
He pointed to a series of coordinated attacks that occurred within days across multiple states. Armed bandits struck Bong Village in Plateau State's Doemak District, resulting in multiple fatalities. Prior to that, communities in Kano State's Shanono Local Government Area were attacked. Furthermore, on New Year's Day, the Unguwar Naino community in Katsina State was assaulted, leaving several dead and many injured.
"The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame," Obi stated. "As a nation, we cannot continue to normalise these killings. The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government."
APC Chairman Condemns Attacks, Tinubu Orders Action
In a related development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also condemned the "barbaric and senseless" terrorist attacks on communities in Niger's Agwara and Borgu council areas.
Yilwatda detailed the extent of the violence, which included the killing of villagers in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima, the burning of markets, destruction of homes and worship centres, and the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive and swift response. The President has directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice without delay.
Residents Flee Amidst Security Vacuum and Fresh Threats
The aftermath of the violence has been characterised by panic and displacement. Residents from Agwara and Borgu local government areas are reportedly fleeing their homes due to fears of renewed attacks.
Locals allege that the terrorists have threatened to continue the killings after their initial assault on Saturday, which left over 40 dead and several others abducted. Compounding the fear is the alleged absence of a sustained security presence.
Villagers reported that soldiers deployed to the area left shortly after their arrival, leaving communities vulnerable and without protection. A villager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, made a desperate appeal to the government and security agencies to intervene, warning that failure to do so could lead to more deaths and the permanent displacement of residents.
The situation highlights the persistent and severe security challenges facing Nigeria, with calls for more effective and lasting solutions growing louder from both political figures and terrorised communities.
