‘A National Shame’, Obi Condemns Niger Market Attack

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Niger State, describing the incident as a national shame.

Terrorists on Saturday invaded Kasuwan Daji Market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and killed traders, including women.

Death toll from the incident has so far hit 50, with several other residents abducted, according to a source from a neighbouring community who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity.

Obi, in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, expressed concern that the country was beginning the new year with renewed violence and insecurity, lamenting the Niger and other attacks by terrorists in some parts of the country.

He said the Niger incident was part of a disturbing pattern of violence across the country, recalling similar attacks in Plateau, Kano and Katsina states in recent days.

“It is deeply worrisome and unacceptable that, as we usher in a new year, the cycle of senseless killings and insecurity continues unchecked across our nation.

“Today, in Niger State, we once again witnessed the horrific loss of over 40 lives in a brutal terrorist attack at the Kasuwan-Daji Market in the Domo community of Borgu Local Government Area,” he wrote.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, stated that the rising insecurity in the country was unacceptable, stressing that the protection of lives must remain the primary responsibility of government.

He said, “Just yesterday, armed bandits struck Bong village in Doemak District of Plateau State, leaving multiple people dead. Two days ago, several communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State were attacked by bandits. On New Year’s Day in Katsina State, the Unguwar Naino community was also attacked, with several lives lost and many others injured.

“These incidents form part of a disturbing and tragic pattern of violence that has sadly become normalized. The repeated failure to provide basic security for citizens is a national shame, and the toll it takes on families and communities is immeasurable. As a nation, we cannot continue to normalize these killings. The protection of lives must remain the foremost responsibility of government.

“What Nigerians urgently need is an all-hands-on-deck approach: a coordinated, capable, and decisive effort to end the menace of insecurity that has become a daily occurrence.”

Obi also condoled with families who lost loved ones in Niger and other affected states, noting that no words could fully ease their pain.

“To the families who have lost loved ones in Niger, Plateau, Kano, Katsina, and other affected communities this New Year, no words can truly ease your pain. Know, however, that the nation mourns with you. May you find strength, comfort, and resilience in this time of unimaginable grief. This cycle of violence must be stopped,” he added.

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