Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), Peter Obi, has said the abduction of worshippers in Enugu State is further proof that insecurity has spiralled into a nationwide emergency, warning that no Nigerian can now claim to be beyond the reach of criminal violence.

In a statement on Monday, Obi described the attack on worshippers as a disturbing indication that even places traditionally regarded as sanctuaries are no longer safe, lamenting that Nigerians now live in fear of carrying out ordinary daily activities.

According to him, the incident represents a dangerous shift in the country’s security landscape, where criminal attacks are no longer confined to insurgency-prone states but have spread across the country.

“What happened in Enugu is not just another security incident; it is a painful reminder that insecurity has become a national calamity,” Obi said.

He noted that while states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Katsina have long grappled with violent attacks, recent developments suggest that every region is now vulnerable.

Obi said Nigerians should not have to fear attending church or mosque, going to school, travelling to work or sleeping in their homes, insisting that protecting lives must remain the primary responsibility of government.

He called for a united national response to the country’s worsening security crisis, urging political leaders to set aside partisan interests and confront the challenge collectively.

“Security is not a partisan issue. It is a national responsibility that demands urgency, unity and decisive action,” he stated.

The former Anambra State governor urged security agencies to spare no effort in rescuing the abducted worshippers and ensuring that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

He also called for stronger preventive measures to halt the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across the country, warning against allowing such incidents to become normalised.

“We cannot continue to accept these tragedies as part of our daily lives. Every Nigerian life is precious, and every legitimate effort must be made to protect it,” Obi said.

Expressing optimism despite the country’s challenges, Obi maintained that Nigeria could still overcome its security crisis through committed leadership and collective resolve, adding that “a new Nigeria is possible with God on our side.”