By BONIFACE AKARAH

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) frontrunner, Peter Obi, has decried the worsening wave of insecurity across Nigeria, describing the country as “a nation under siege” following fresh deadly explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In a statement on Tuesday, Obi said the tragic incidents, which reportedly left several people dead and over a hundred others injured in coordinated attacks near markets and hospitals, underscore the failure of government to fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“The nation is once again engulfed in grief and outrage… These tragic events serve as a painful reminder of how far we have strayed from the fundamental duty of governance: the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The former presidential candidate warned that the growing silence and muted response to such attacks signal a dangerous normalization of insecurity across the country.

“The silence from our nation in response to such atrocities indicates a disturbing normalization of insecurity rather than a decisive confrontation with the issue,” Obi added.

He noted that the latest violence in Borno reflects a broader pattern of insecurity spreading across several parts of the country, including Kwara State, Nasarawa State, Kogi State, Plateau State, Sokoto State, Benue State, and even the Federal Capital Territory.

Obi expressed concern over reports from Katsina State, where some communities are allegedly being forced to pay levies to armed groups to avoid attacks.

“In some regions, there are alarming reports of communities being coerced into paying what is described as a ‘peace tax’ just to ensure their survival,” he said.

He stressed that the situation represents not just a failure of security systems but also a critical test of leadership at all levels.

“These moments test not only our security architecture but also the very essence of leadership. Such a grave national emergency requires immediate presence, attention and action,” he said.

Obi urged authorities to prioritise the protection of citizens above all else, including reconsidering non-essential engagements in favour of visiting affected communities and addressing the crisis directly.

While expressing sympathy with victims, he extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished the injured quick recovery.

“During this time of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones… May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort the bereaved, and provide strength and healing to all affected,” he said.

He, however, warned that the country cannot afford to continue on its current trajectory.

“We cannot continue down this path. Our nation must rise to protect its citizens with urgency, responsibility and compassion,” Obi said.