Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent killings in Kwara State, describing the violence as tragic and urging authorities to act decisively to end insecurity in Nigeria.

The condemnation by Obi, a 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, follows attacks in communities in Kwara’s Kaiama Local Government Area that resulted in numerous deaths.

Reports indicate coordinated gunmen assaults in villages including Woro and Nuku.

The security crisis in parts of northern and central Nigeria has been a longstanding concern, with repeated attacks in multiple states leading to widespread calls for improved protection and security operations by federal and state authorities.

In a post on the social platform X, Obi said he was “deeply saddened” by reports of the killings in Kwara communities. He offered “condolences to the families of victims and the government and people of the state.”

Obi referenced the death toll and described the attacks as a “major failure for us as a nation,” stressing that recurring violence has reached levels comparable to those in some war-torn countries.

He urged relevant authorities to restore peace, bring perpetrators to justice, and reassure Nigerians that their lives would be protected.

The attacks were followed by deployments of security operatives to the affected areas and pledges by officials to pursue those responsible.

Obi wrote on X: “Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation.”

He also stated: “These recurring acts of violence across our country, now worse than what occurs in some countries at war, underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge.”

The incident has amplified nationwide concerns about the capacity of security agencies to protect citizens in remote and vulnerable communities. It comes amid broader challenges with armed groups and escalating violence in parts of Nigeria.

Calls for stronger security measures have emerged from various quarters, including political leaders and civil society organisations, amid ongoing insecurity across multiple states.