Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the killing of security personnel in Nigeria and urged both government and citizens to support the families of the victims.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obi said the frequent attacks on police, military, and other officers show the level of insecurity facing the country. He described the killings as a tragic loss not only for the families but also for Nigeria, which depends on security forces to maintain law and order.

In a statement released on Friday, Obi called the attacks “painful and unacceptable,” stressing that security personnel put their lives at risk daily to protect citizens.

“They serve this nation with courage,” Obi said. “When they are killed in such a cruel way, the least we can do is to honor their sacrifice and take care of their families.”

Support for Families

Obi urged government agencies, security institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians to create stronger support systems for widows, children, and dependents of fallen officers.

He said many families of slain officers are left without financial stability and emotional support, which worsens their suffering.

“It is our collective duty to stand by them,” Obi said. “Beyond words of sympathy, we must provide real assistance in housing, education, and healthcare.”

Rising Insecurity

Nigeria has faced rising violence in recent years, with attacks by armed groups, bandits, and separatists reported in several states. Security officers are often targeted in ambushes or raids, especially in the country’s North-East and South-East regions.

The killings have raised concerns about morale within the security forces. Analysts say repeated attacks may discourage young people from joining the police or army if they feel their sacrifices are not recognized.

Obi said the safety of security officers must be treated as a national priority. “They should not be left vulnerable,” he noted. “Government must provide better equipment, intelligence, and welfare to protect them and strengthen their work.”

National Unity

The Labour Party leader also linked the killings to broader divisions in Nigerian society. He said the country cannot overcome insecurity unless citizens and leaders come together to build peace and justice.

“Security is not only about guns and checkpoints,” Obi said. “It is also about fairness, development, and unity. If we reduce poverty and injustice, we will reduce violence.”

He urged political leaders to show restraint in their language and actions, warning that careless statements could fuel further hostility.

Wider Reactions

Civil society groups have also condemned the attacks on security personnel. Human rights organizations have called for independent investigations and better protection for officers on duty.

Some groups have criticized the government for not providing enough insurance, training, and safety gear. They argue that families of slain officers often wait years for benefits or pensions.

Community leaders in states affected by violence have appealed to residents to cooperate with police and military forces, rather than view them as outsiders.

Looking Ahead

Obi emphasized that honoring fallen security officers must go beyond symbolic gestures. He called for a permanent support fund for their families and better recognition of their sacrifices in national events.

He also urged Nigerians to remember that security personnel are “ordinary men and women with families, dreams, and hopes.”

“They wear uniforms, but they are also our brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers,” he said. “When we protect them and support their families, we protect our own society.”

The Nigerian government has not yet released official figures on the number of officers killed this year, but security reports suggest dozens of deaths have occurred in ambushes and clashes across the country.

For many Nigerians, the issue remains a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity. Obi’s statement is one of the latest calls for the government to act quickly, not only to stop the killings but also to stand with those left behind.