‘We Musn’t Accept Kidnapping As New Normal’ — Says Obi on Enugu Abduction, Demands Rescue

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue worshippers reportedly abducted in Enugu State, describing attacks on worshippers and places of worship as a national crisis.

Obi made the call in a statement shared on his social media account on Monday.

He noted that the abduction of the worshippers in Enugu was a serious development that required immediate action from the relevant security agencies.

He said the incident showed that insecurity was no longer limited to particular parts of the country. Obi listed Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Katsina among states that had also experienced serious security challenges, saying the situation had now become a wider national concern.

He then urged security agencies to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and arrest those responsible for the incident.

Obi said, “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. 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.

“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.

“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.”

His statement comes amid continuing reports of attacks and abductions targeting worshippers and religious gatherings in different parts of Nigeria. In January, Obi also called for decisive action after more than 150 worshippers were reportedly abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In April, the Christian Association of Nigeria also condemned an attack on a church gathering in Eda-Oniyo, Ekiti State, where a pastor was reportedly killed and worshippers abducted. The association called for stronger action to protect people gathered for worship.