Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed grief over the killing of 17 police officers and several soldiers during a terrorist attack on a military training facility in Yobe State.
Obi, in a statement shared on his official X account on Saturday, described the deaths of the security personnel as a national tragedy and called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action against worsening insecurity across the country.
The former Anambra State governor said he was deeply saddened by the attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, where the officers were reportedly undergoing specialised operational training before the terrorists struck.
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“I extend my sincerest condolences to the High Command and Leadership of the Nigerian Military and the Police over the tragic loss of our courageous officers,” Obi wrote.
“It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the heartbreaking death of 17 brave police officers, alongside an unspecified number of soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the recent terrorist attack on a military school in Yobe State.”
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier confirmed the deaths of the officers following the coordinated assault carried out by terrorists in the early hours of May 8.
Police authorities said the attackers stormed the military institution from multiple directions at about 1:15 a.m., leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that also claimed the lives of several military personnel.
Reacting to the development, Obi said the country must stop treating the repeated killings of security personnel and civilians as normal occurrences.
“A nation cannot continue to normalise the killing of its security personnel and innocent citizens without urgent, decisive, and strategic action,” he said.
“We must confront insecurity with sincerity, professionalism, and the political will necessary to protect lives and restore public confidence.”
The Labour Party chieftain also urged the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of families of fallen security personnel.
“The Federal Government must ensure adequate compensation, support, and long-term welfare for the families of all those who paid the supreme price in service to our nation,” Obi stated.
He added that every security officer killed in the line of duty represents not just a national loss but a devastating personal tragedy for grieving families and communities.
The deadly attack in Yobe has triggered renewed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups continue to target military formations and communities despite intensified military operations.
Obi concluded his message by sympathising with the bereaved families and honouring the sacrifices of the slain officers.
“To the families of the fallen heroes, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. We mourn with you, and we honour the courage and sacrifice of your loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
