- Safiu Kehinde
The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the attack and abduction of three worshippers in a church in Enugu State.
NPO Reported that suspected gunmen have on Sunday stormed the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Inoyi, Affa Community in Udi Local Government Area of the state around 8.30am.
They abducted a seminarian, the catechist and two other members of the church.
However, the operatives of the Enugu State Police Command and local security agencies forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unhurt as the operatives engaged the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Monday, Obi decried the attack and abduction.
The former Anambra State Governor maintained that the abduction has now full escalated into a national crisis, considering reports of similar cases in other states across the country.
‘I have been deeply dismayed by the recent news concerning the abduction of worshippers in Enugu.
‘It is profoundly distressing that fellow Nigerians, who had come together in divine worship seeking solace and hope, have endured such a traumatic and criminal ordeal.
‘It is increasingly clear that this is no longer an isolated incident affecting specific states like Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, or Katsina.
‘It has escalated into a national crisis, threatening every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or regional origins.’ He said.
Obi maintained that no part of our country should be a place where citizens live in constant fear of attending religious services, pursuing education, engaging in work, or even resting in their own homes.
He called for intensified efforts by security agencies in ensuring rescue of the abducted victims while urging Nigerians to collectively work together in eradicating the menace of kidnapping in the country.
‘This is a critical moment for Nigeria to come together as one nation. Security concerns must go beyond partisan politics, tribal loyalties, or religious differences.
‘It is a collective national duty that requires unity, urgency, and decisive action.
‘I call on all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to swiftly apprehend and bring to justice those responsible.
‘Beyond this incident, we must, as a nation, dedicate ourselves to eradicating this menace through all legitimate means.’ He said.
The 2027 NDC Presidential candidate objected against accepting the abduction spree as a new normal in th country.
‘The inviolability of human life must remain the highest priority for any government. We cannot accept these tragedies as a new normal.
‘Every Nigerian life is invaluable, and every possible measure must be taken to protect it. Despite the threats, a new Nigeria is possible with God on our side.’ He said.