By Peter Obi
I am deeply disturbed by the reports of the mass abduction of Nigerians in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, following attacks on communities including Dekara and the abduction of worshippers during Juma’at prayers.
Reports indicate that as many as 600 people, predominantly women, children and elderly Nigerians, may have been taken. The exact number is still being verified. Tragically, reports also indicate that about 30 people may have been killed.
This is one case too many.
The fact that Nigerians can be attacked in broad daylight, in their place of worship, abducted in such numbers and taken into the forests should shake the conscience of every Nigerian and compel urgent action from government.
Our people are being left vulnerable while the political class appears increasingly consumed by the next election.
Elections will come and go, but the lives of Nigerians cannot be recovered once lost.
Government must treat this as an emergency: deploy overwhelming intelligence-led security operations, rescue every person in captivity, secure the affected communities and dismantle the networks and enclaves enabling these terrorists to operate.
The police complain that difficult terrain and a collapsed bridge hampered the initial rescue response in Borgu, which supports my consistent plea to concentrate on repairs of existing infrastructure.
I stand with the Niger State government, the good people of Niger State and the families of those abducted and killed. We must bring our people home and restore the confidence that government exists to protect them.
A New Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK.
