The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has reacted to the reported attack in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area, where over 27 innocent Nigerians were killed by armed bandits.
Obi, on X said the attack images were heartbreaking, adding that his thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire people of Kogi State.
“This comes as reports from neighbouring Kwara state say that nine out of 16 LGs in Kwara state are under bandits’ siege, who now demand food and drinks as ransom. 
“The nine LGs in the bandit control include Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Kaiama, Oke-Ero, Patigi, and Irepodun”, the former Governor listed.
Peter Obi pressed further that the security situation is now a national emergency.
He said, “It is deeply troubling that insecurity has become a normal occurrence in our nation, where citizens die daily more than in countries at war. This is not normal.
“Our citizens cannot sleep in their own homes in peace, our farmers are being driven away from their lands by bandits, our children are living in fear of being attacked, and our nation continues to bleed.
“Leadership must be about protecting lives and property, the most basic duty of any government. May God grant eternal rest to the victims, comfort to their grieving families, and give wisdom and courage to our leaders to protect every Nigerian life”, Obi concluded.
Meanwhile, report has it that at least 27 people were confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected bandits on communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the area late Saturday night, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze while many residents reportedly fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Local security sources described the assault as one of the deadliest in recent times, adding that the attackers operated for hours before security operatives arrived.
State Police Command is yet to release an official statement, but authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity across several parts of the country, as banditry and armed attacks continue to claim lives in the North Central and North West regions.
