Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has thrown his weight behind the ongoing discourse on the establishment of state police in Nigeria, following recent waves of attacks and abductions by bandits.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Obi condemned the spate of violence, particularly citing the recent attacks in Kaduna State where bandits killed several people and abducted others.
The former Anambra governor expressed support for the federal government’s initiative to explore the creation of state police, describing it as a positive step forward.
However, he emphasized the need for immediate action to address the prevailing insecurity in the country.
“While the idea of State Policing as discussed recently by the President and the 36 States Governors, is a welcome development, and while looking forward to its implementation, which may still take a while, all efforts, at the moment, should be geared towards ending the ugly trend of insecurity in the nation,” Obi wrote.
He highlighted the alarming incidents of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violence across various states, stressing the urgent need for decisive action by the government and security agencies.
Obi urged for a proactive approach in combating insecurity, emphasizing that waiting for the establishment of state police should not overshadow immediate efforts to safeguard lives and property.
“We should not just wait for the proposed state Police to do the magic while we become lackadaisical and allow criminals to run riot like the recent reports in Zamfara and Kaduna states,” he stated.
“Waking up every day to the sad news of terror attacks around the country remains very worrisome.
“A terrorist attack was also reported in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State where six persons were reportedly killed and about 50 abducted. What is more worrisome is that these terrorists now boldly target security agents.
“Just yesterday, bandits were said to have attacked a police station in Zamfara killing the Divisional Crime Officer, DCO. These and many other violent attacks and kidnapping-for-ransom in the country should keep the government and security agencies on their toes.
“Such a high level of insecurity when combined with the high level of hunger and poverty in the country, forms a perfect recipe for disaster in our nation.”
Furthermore, Obi said: “We must therefore take all possible measures to ensure the security of lives and property in our dear nation.
“I urge the government and our security agencies to expedite action on ending these terror attacks on the Nigerian people and ensure that every Nigerian is free to live securely in every part of the nation.
“I commiserate with the families who have lost dear ones to these violent attacks in the nation while praying for the safe rescue of those in captivity.”
