Enugu church abduction: Peter Obi raises alarm, says no Nigerian safe

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of worshippers in Enugu State, describing the growing wave of attacks on places of worship as a national calamity that requires urgent and united action.

Obi spoke in a statement posted on his official social media page on Monday while reacting to reports of the abduction of church members in Enugu.

He said the abduction reflects what he described as the worsening security situation across the country, warning that no region is now immune from criminal attacks.

“I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu. It is profoundly distressing that fellow Nigerians, who had come together in divine worship seeking solace and hope, have endured such a traumatic and criminal ordeal,” Obi said.

He warned that insecurity had gone beyond isolated incidents affecting a few states, insisting that the crisis now threatens Nigerians irrespective of their ethnicity, religion or region.

“It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states like Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, or Katsina. It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or regional origins,” he stated.

Obi stressed that no Nigerian should have to live in fear of attending religious services, going to school, working or even remaining in their homes.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

“I call on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to put aside political, ethnic and religious differences in tackling the country’s security challenges, insisting that protecting lives should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

“The inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government. We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal. Every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it,” Obi added.

He expressed optimism that the country could overcome its security challenges, saying, “Despite the threats, a new Nigeria is possible with God on our side.”