Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi has expressed concern over what he described as a growing normalisation of insecurity in Nigeria, warning that the country’s response to school abductions has become dangerously muted over time.
Recalling the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, Obi noted that the incident triggered widespread national and international outrage, galvanising the #BringBackOurGirls movement and placing significant pressure on government and global stakeholders.
He observed, however, that the situation has since deteriorated, with repeated school abductions occurring across the country without attracting comparable sustained public outcry or international attention.
According to him, during the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria recorded about ten major school abductions, while in the three years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, more than ten similar incidents have already been recorded.
Contained in a statement made available to The News Chronicle on his Facebook page, Obi warned that the frequency of such attacks raises troubling questions about desensitisation to insecurity and the gradual erosion of national outrage in the face of recurring violence.
He further expressed concern that while citizens continue to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship and uncertainty, political attention appears increasingly directed toward electoral considerations rather than urgent national challenges.
While rejecting extreme characterisations of Nigeria’s situation, he acknowledged that persistent insecurity and economic pressures have significantly affected the country’s global image and public confidence.
He emphasised that addressing the crisis requires leadership that is competent, accountable and genuinely committed to the welfare and security of citizens, rather than denial or political rhetoric.
Obi also urged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to accept insecurity and systemic failure as the new normal.
“Young Nigerians must refuse to normalise failure. Take back your country.” He added.
