The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the rising cases of killings of security operatives across the country.
Obi warned that Nigeria cannot continue to lose men in uniform without adequate support for their families.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor bemoaned the recurring deaths of soldiers, police officers, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and vigilante members in the line of duty.
He urged the government to prioritise security as the foundation of governance by better equipping and motivating security personnel.
Obi also called for fair compensation and sustained support for the families of fallen heroes, stressing that it was not an act of charity but justice for those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
“Protecting our Security Operatives: “Over the past weeks, the country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel,” he stated.
“The causality rages from our gallant soldiers, to members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to our brave policemen and even community vigilante members.
“Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation.
“These recurring killings should serve as a wake up call to us leaders to better equip and motivate our security operatives. Security must now become the foundation of governance. The memory of our fallen heroes should ignite in us a determination to build a Nigeria where no one’s life is valueless, not our security operatives and definitely not their families.
“Nigeria cannot continue to bury our men in uniform and leave their families abandoned. Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported.
“That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice for those who laid down their lives so the rest of us can live.
“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort.”
