By BONIFACE AKARAH

Presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned a series of deadly attacks across several states at the start of the new year, describing the continued loss of lives to terrorism and banditry as “deeply worrisome and unacceptable.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain made the remarks in a statement tweeted on Sunday evening, January 4, 2025, following reports of coordinated attacks in Niger, Plateau, Kano and Katsina states, which left dozens of people dead within days of the new year.

The statement came after reports that more than 40 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State. The attack was the latest in a string of violent incidents recorded across the country in recent days.

Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, recalled that armed bandits struck Bong village in the Doemak District of Plateau State a day earlier, while several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State were attacked two days before. On New Year’s Day, the Unguwar Naino community in Katsina State was also targeted, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.

“These incidents form part of a disturbing and tragic pattern of violence that has sadly become normalized,” Obi said.

He criticised what he described as repeated failures to provide adequate security for citizens, stressing that the protection of lives remains the foremost responsibility of government.

“The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame,” he said, noting that the human cost of the violence on families and communities is immeasurable.

Calling for urgent action, Obi urged authorities to adopt an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving coordinated and decisive efforts to address the country’s worsening security situation.

“What Nigerians urgently need is a coordinated, capable, and decisive response to end the menace of insecurity that has become a daily occurrence,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor also expressed sympathy with families affected by the attacks in the affected states, assuring them that the nation shared in their grief.

“To the families who have lost loved ones in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Katsina and other affected communities this New Year, no words can truly ease your pain,” he said, adding that the cycle of violence “must be stopped.”

He concluded by reiterating his call for national renewal, insisting that “a new Nigeria is possible” if decisive steps are taken to protect lives and restore security.

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