Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Borno State, describing it as "a national alarm bell that must not be ignored."

In a statement released on his official social media platform, Obi highlighted the critical situation in the Marte area of Borno State, where over 300 communities are reportedly at risk and more than 20,000 Nigerians have been displaced due to terrorist activities.

Obi commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his exemplary leadership, particularly noting the governor's decision to spend the night in a town under terrorist threat. "Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive, and people-centred," Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor expressed dismay that a sitting governor has been left "pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists." He emphasized that Governor Zulum has raised serious concerns about insurgents regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, with Marte reportedly on the verge of collapse.

Call for Urgent Federal Action

Obi called for immediate and decisive action from the Federal Government, stating that "delayed response and distant governance" cannot continue. He stressed that security forces need reinforcements, and displaced citizens need protection rather than promises.

"I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The Federal Government must now do the same," Obi declared.

He warned that failure to protect Borno would amount to failing "the idea of Nigeria itself," emphasizing that the issue transcends politics and is fundamentally about protecting the nation's citizens and sovereignty.

"This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation," Obi concluded, reiterating his call for quick, decisive, and just action to address the security challenges in Borno State.