With 7,000 people kidnapped in last one year, Nigeria now among riskiest nations to live —Peter Obi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

Citing staggering statistics, Obi in a statement released on Monday via his X handle, claimed that over 7,000 Nigerians have been abducted in the past year, with a surge of 700 in the last three weeks alone.

“These figures, coupled with the constant reports of violent crimes and killings across the nation, paint a grim picture,” Mr. Obi stated. “Such a climate of fear and lawlessness undoubtedly places Nigeria among the world’s riskiest countries to live in.”

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Referencing a recent report by the Financial Times that labeled Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic a symptom of a failed state, Mr. Obi emphasized the detrimental impact on the nation’s economic prospects. “How can we attract foreign investors, or retain the confidence of local ones, when basic safety and security are not guaranteed?” he questioned.

Mr. Obi’s statement is likely to fuel ongoing national discourse surrounding the government’s handling of security challenges. His call for immediate action underscores the urgency for a solution that restores peace and stability across the country.

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