“The silence is disturbing” – Peter Obi reacts to Maiduguri explosion, other terrorists’ attacks

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party has reacted to the Monday, March 16, multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital city.

Obi, in a post on X said Nigeria is under siege with the horrific explosions and killings in Borno and other parts of the nation.

Describing the incident in Maiduguri as tragic, the former Anambra State governor said these attacks serve as a painful reminder of how far the nation and its leaders have strayed from the fundamental duty of governance – the protection of lives and property.

According to Obi, the fact that several innocent Nigerians can be killed in multiple coordinated attacks, with over a hundred others injured in vulnerable places like markets and near hospitals, highlights a troubling reality.

“The silence from our nation in response to such atrocities indicates a disturbing normalisation of insecurity rather than a decisive confrontation with the issue.

“In light of recent attacks in Kwara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Sokoto, Benue, and even within the Federal Capital Territory, the pattern of insecurity is deeply concerning. In some regions, such as Katsina, there are alarming reports of communities being coerced into paying a “Peace Tax” to armed groups just to avoid further attacks and ensure their survival,” Obi wrote.

He also noted that these incidents not only test the nation’s stance on security and its architecture but also the very essence of leadership.

“Such a grave national emergency requires immediate presence, attention, and action. It is crucial to cancel any planned trips to visit affected communities in favour of prioritising efforts to safeguard lives.

“During this time of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, as well as those who are injured and fighting to recover. May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort the bereaved, and provide strength and healing to all affected.

“We cannot continue down this path. Our nation must rise to protect its citizens with urgency, responsibility, and compassion,” Obi noted.

Recap that a multiple suicide attack in Maiduguri on Monday, led to the death of 23 people, the police said.

The police also confirmed that a total of 108 people sustained various degrees of injury in the blast that rocked the Northeast State.

Other leaders have also joined in reacting to the incident with President Bola Tinubu ordering the relocation of all service chiefs to Maiduguri.