Nigeria Has Become a Killing Field Under Tinubu — Peter Obi Decries Over 10,000 Deaths in Two Years

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, stating that the country has become a “killing field” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Citing data from Amnesty International, Obi revealed that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists, bandits, and armed criminal groups in the past two years alone.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi lamented the unrelenting violence, saying:
“We can’t stop bemoaning the unending killing in the country. Despite not being at war, the killing, abduction, and banditry incidents in our country continue to be daily and increasing at a worrisome rate.”

Obi referenced recent attacks, including the violent assault in Okigwe, Imo State, where many lost their lives and others remain missing and feared dead.

He also highlighted Amnesty International’s criticism of the Nigerian government, which the organization accused of “emboldening bandits through its stunning failure to protect citizens.” Amnesty had described the week as particularly deadly, noting a massacre of over 50 worshippers in a mosque in Katsina, the abduction of over 60 people in the same state, and the killing of more than 15 farmers in Mangu, Plateau State, which displaced over 200 families.

Obi stressed the gravity of the situation, comparing Nigeria’s civilian death toll to that of a country at war:
“Nigeria, which is not even officially at war, has recorded over 10,000 civilian deaths in just two years, a number similar to civilian deaths in Ukraine, which is officially at war.”

He called on political leaders to set aside partisanship and take decisive action:
“This should concern all of us who claim to be politicians and leaders. We must put Nigerian citizens first, stop the politicking, name-calling, and gossip, and focus on addressing these real issues. The time to act is now. A new Nigeria is possible.”

Obi emphasized that the foremost duty of any government is the protection of life and property, urging national unity in tackling the worsening security crisis.