Peter Obi Laments “Shocking Loss of Lives” Under Tinubu as U.S. Designates Nigeria a Country of Concern

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again raised alarm over the growing insecurity and loss of lives across Nigeria. His comments come shortly after the United States government placed Nigeria on its list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC)—a designation reserved for nations where severe violations of human rights and religious freedom occur.

In a strongly worded statement reported by Sahara Reporters on Monday, November 3, 2025, Obi said Nigeria is currently facing one of the most troubling periods in its history, with “an unprecedented level of insecurity, shocking loss of lives, and destruction of property.” According to him, the crisis has worsened since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

A Bleak Picture of Insecurity

Peter Obi pointed to data reportedly compiled by Amnesty International and other independent watchdogs, which estimate that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since mid-2023. The violence, he noted, cuts across several regions—terrorist insurgencies in the North-East, rampant banditry in the North-West, kidnappings across the Middle Belt, and rising cult-related killings in the South-South.

“Every week brings more news of attacks on communities, farmers, travelers, and security agents,” Obi lamented. “It is heartbreaking that we have normalized such a scale of bloodshed in our nation.”

He stressed that this human tragedy reflects deeper governance problems. “The current leadership has shown a lack of competence, commitment, and patriotism in addressing these issues. Security is the foundation of any nation’s progress, and when leaders fail to secure their people, everything else collapses,” he said.

Tinubu Administration Under Pressure

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been under intense scrutiny since the U.S. State Department announced Nigeria’s CPC status. The designation, which also covers countries like North Korea and Iran, allows Washington to impose diplomatic pressure or sanctions on nations found guilty of tolerating or perpetrating religious persecution and other abuses.

While Nigeria’s government insists that it remains committed to religious freedom and the protection of all citizens, critics argue that official promises have not translated into real progress on the ground.

Security agencies have faced mounting challenges: insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to attack rural communities, while bandits operate with seeming impunity. In some states, such as Zamfara and Katsina, entire villages have been deserted due to persistent violence.

Obi Calls for National Reawakening

Obi’s statement was not just a critique of the government; it was also a call to conscience. He urged Nigerians to demand accountability and to support leaders who place human life above political ambition.

“This is not about politics or party lines,” he said. “It is about the survival of our nation. We cannot continue on this path of indifference to the suffering of the people. Every Nigerian must begin to ask questions and insist on good governance.”

He appealed to the Tinubu administration to overhaul its security strategy and prioritize intelligence gathering, regional cooperation, and support for communities affected by violence. “No nation can grow when its people live in fear,” Obi said. “We must act urgently to restore peace and hope.”

U.S. Role and Diplomatic Implications

The U.S. decision to include Nigeria on its CPC list carries diplomatic consequences. It sends a message that Washington is deeply concerned about Nigeria’s human rights record and deteriorating security climate.

Analysts believe the move could strain Nigeria-U.S. relations, especially as President Tinubu’s planned visit to Washington was recently aborted in favor of attending the G-20 Summit in South Africa, where he is expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump. The change in itinerary has sparked speculation that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the U.S. is entering a cautious phase.

Obi, however, suggested that Nigeria should not view the U.S. action as an attack but rather as “an opportunity for reflection and reform.” According to him, genuine leadership means acknowledging shortcomings and working collaboratively with global partners to rebuild trust and strengthen democratic values.

A Cry for Leadership and Compassion

Peter Obi’s message resonates with many Nigerians who feel abandoned amid daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and economic hardship. The sense of despair has been worsened by rising unemployment and inflation, both of which fuel further instability.

For Obi, the path forward is clear: responsible leadership that values human life and invests in people’s welfare. “Nigeria is blessed with talent and resources,” he said, “but without peace and security, we will continue to waste our potential.”

He concluded by urging the government to remember that “the essence of governance is service to the people.” In his words, “History will not be kind to any administration that fails to protect its citizens.”

Final Thoughts

Peter Obi’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among Nigerians who believe their leaders have lost touch with reality. Whether or not one agrees with his politics, his warning captures the gravity of the moment: Nigeria stands at a crossroads between reform and deeper crisis.

As the world watches, the responsibility now rests on President Tinubu and his team to prove that the country’s democracy can still deliver peace, justice, and dignity to all Nigerians.