By BONIFACE AKARAH

African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential frontrunner, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in Borno State, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the insecurity confronting Nigerians and calling for urgent leadership action to protect lives.

He said he received reports of a “horrific attack” by terrorists on the community, which reportedly targeted a military base and an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, resulting in casualties among both civilians and soldiers.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have learned of yet another horrific attack yesterday by terrorists on the community of Ngoshe in Borno State, which targeted not only a military base but also an internally displaced persons camp, and sadly claimed the lives of innocent civilians and soldiers, many of whom are still missing,” Obi said.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate said he watched videos of the incident with “deep horror,” adding that the attack once again exposes the daily suffering faced by many Nigerians living in conflict-affected areas.

“I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Obi questioned the persistence of violent attacks across the country and called for decisive action to address the security crisis.

“How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?” he asked.

The former Anambra State governor also criticized political leaders for allegedly focusing on political interests while insecurity continues to affect communities.

“While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these daily killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish scheming on how to steal, grab and run away with the next election cycle, and keep us in insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment,” Obi said.

He expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones in the attack and those displaced by the violence.

“To the families who have lost loved ones, to the children now displaced, and to the communities living in fear, I stand with you in grief and in resolve,” he said.

“Your pain is Nigeria’s pain. Your safety and dignity must be the priority of any government that claims to serve the people.”

Obi added that the country deserves leadership that places the protection of human life at the centre of governance.

“Nigeria deserves a leadership that values human life above all else. Our nation is stronger than the terror that threatens it, but we cannot remain silent and we cannot accept inaction,” he said.

“We must act now, for today’s victims, for tomorrow’s children, and for the Nigeria we all deserve.”

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