‘Painful price of insecurity’ — Obi mourns soldiers killed by terrorists in Niger state

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last elections, has mourned the death of soldiers killed by terrorists in Niger state.

Several military personnel were reportedly killed on Sunday by terrorists who attacked Kundu village near Zungeru in Wushishi LGA.

Also, on August 14, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter conveying wounded soldiers from the scene of an ambush by bandits in Wushishi LGA, crashed in Chukuba village, in Shiroro LGA of the state.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operation, had earlier said the ambush led to a firefight which resulted in the death of three officers and 22 soldiers, while seven were wounded in action.

Buba said the helicopter crashed with 14 personnel killed in the ambush, seven injured officers, two pilots and two crew members.

In a  thread on the X platform formerly known as Twitter on Thursday, Obi described the death of the soldiers as a “painful price of insecurity”.

“I am very saddened for families whose loved ones have continued to pay the patriotic but very painful price in the fight against insecurity in our country,” Obi wrote.

“The continued loss of lives of both our military men and other citizens to ceaseless insecurity is very painful. Once again, I commiserate with our military and security agencies whose personnel have continued to pay the supreme price for peace and security in our nation.

“To the fallen, we pray for eternal rest. To the bereaved families, we pray for succour. To the living active duty personnel, we urge you to remain courageous and resilient in the fight against the forces of evil.

“We must unite as a people to subdue this monster of insecurity threatening our collective existence. Without peace and security, no development is possible in any country.

“Fighting insecurity, squarely and resolutely, remains my first and abiding priority in the new Nigeria. For me, security, peace and progress remain cardinal precepts in the pursuit of a new national order. On these, I shall never flinch nor falter.

“To the heroes lost in this battle, God grant eternal rest. To the families that grieve, we pray for consolation. To the rest of the nation, let the losses of today renew our resolve to ensure that the departed souls are not lost in vain.

“We shall never forget our lost heroes and their families. To the rest of our compatriots, be assured that we shall overcome the reign of insecurity and the forces of insecurity.”