Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in Borno State, describing the situation in the Marte area as "unsettling" and calling for urgent national intervention.

In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi characterized the security challenges in Borno not merely as a local emergency but as "a national alarm bell that must not be ignored."

The former Anambra State governor particularly commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his exemplary leadership during the crisis. "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.

According to Obi, the situation has reached a critical point with over 300 communities exposed to danger and more than 20,000 Nigerians displaced. He emphasized that these figures represent real families and communities "whose hopes are hanging by a thread."

Call for Federal Intervention

Obi highlighted Governor Zulum's warnings that insurgents are regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, with Marte Local Government Area potentially on the verge of collapse. He criticized what he described as inadequate federal response to the situation.

"We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists," he remarked.

The Labour Party flag bearer called for immediate reinforcement of security forces and protection for displaced citizens, stressing that the federal government must "show the will to act swiftly and consistently."

Beyond Politics

Obi emphasized that his concerns transcend political considerations. "This is not about politics. It is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation," he declared.

He further warned that failure to protect Borno would amount to failing "the idea of Nigeria itself," and called for quick, decisive, and just action from authorities.

The statement comes amid reports of increasing terrorist activities in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in areas bordering Lake Chad, despite government claims of progress in the fight against insurgency.

Governor Zulum has recently taken extraordinary measures, including personally relocating to threatened areas to boost morale and coordinate defense efforts, actions that have drawn both praise and concern for his safety.