Obi pays tribute to 9/11 victims, calls for peace over hatred

Peter Obi has paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, calling for a world where peace, compassion and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror.

Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated this on Saturday in a post on X after attending a prayer and remembrance service in New York.

The attacks, which occurred on September 11, 2001, claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people after hijacked passenger planes were crashed into the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia, while another crashed in Pennsylvania.

Obi said 25 years after the tragedy, the pain remained deeply felt by families who lost loved ones and the American people.

“Earlier today, while in New York, I joined in prayers and a service of remembrance to honour the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001.

“Twenty-five years later, the pain of that tragic day remains deeply felt by the families who lost loved ones and by a nation that has continued to carry their memory,” he said.

He also honoured firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others during the attacks.

“We also honour the extraordinary courage of the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who ran towards danger to save others.

“Their selflessness remains a powerful reminder of the courage and goodness that humanity is capable of, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor said the tragedy had shown that human life remained sacred regardless of nationality, race, religion or political differences.

He said, “Beyond nationality, race, religion, or political differences, there is a fundamental truth that binds us all: human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments.”

Obi extended his sympathy, prayers and solidarity to families still mourning loved ones lost in the attacks and to the American people.

He prayed that the souls of those who died would continue to rest in peace, while urging the world to pursue peace, compassion and justice.

“May their memory inspire us to work towards a world where peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror.

“We remember. We honour. We will never forget,” he added.

Obi further disclosed that he continued with his high-level meetings in New York after the remembrance service, which had ended by the time he made the post.

He added, “We remain prayerful to God Almighty for a peaceful world.”