Families of murdered security personnel should be compensated, Obi tells FG

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says the killing of security personnel across the country should compel leaders to prioritise safety.

The former Anambra governor conveyed his message in a post published on his X page on Tuesday.

His comment followed an ambush by armed herders and militia members on security operatives at Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala/Ukum LGA of Benue, which left at least three police officers dead.

Seven additional bodies of security operatives killed in the clash with suspected herders and local militia were later recovered from the incident

Obi said fallen officers must not be forgotten, opining that their families deserve sustained care and compensation.

“Over the past weeks, the country has once again been thrown into mourning by reports of the tragic killings of our security personnel,” the post reads.

“The casualties range from our gallant soldiers to members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to our brave police officers and even community vigilantes.

“Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation.

“These recurring killings should serve as a wake-up call to us, leaders, to better equip and motivate our security operatives.

“Security must now become the foundation of governance. The memory of our fallen heroes should ignite in us a determination to build a Nigeria where no one’s life is valueless — not our security operatives and certainly not their families.

“Nigeria cannot continue to bury our men in uniform and leave their families abandoned. Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the spouses, children and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported.

“That is the least a grateful nation can provide; it is not charity, it is justice for those who laid down their lives so the rest of us can live.”

The former presidential candidate also prayed for the repose of the dead and comfort for the families left behind.