Killings: Peter Obi cancels birthday festivities, says he’ll only celebrate in ‘secure Nigeria’

Peter Obi,  presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says he will not be celebrating his 62nd birthday due to heightened insecurity in the country.

In a Twitter thread on his official handle on Monday, Obi said reports of killings and abductions across the country are quite worrisome.

The LP presidential candidate said as of July, over 200 persons have been killed in Mangu LGA of Plateau and over 100 in Benue.

Obi said he would have loved to celebrate his birthday in a productive, secure country.

“This month alone over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA in Plateau State,” he said.

“Similarly, in Benue State, over 100 lives have been lost in recent times, the latest being 27 persons killed in Adogo Ugbaam, Akpuuna, and Diom communities in Ukum LGA.

“There are also many other cases of kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country. I want to celebrate in a New Nigeria where the lives and properties of citizens will be secure.

“I want to celebrate in a productive Nigeria that can create opportunities for our youths.

“I want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.

“As Nigerians, we must always expand our imagination of the Possible, believing as we do that a New Nigeria is possible.”

The former Anambra governor, however, urged supporters who wish to celebrate him with gifts “to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times”.