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Peter Obi hails police for rescuing ex-AIG’s wife, calls for equal urgency in protecting ordinary Nigerians

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Peter Obi, Faith and him Common Sense — By Fada Oluoma

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, recently commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for their swift and efficient response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu.

Mrs. Odumosu had been kidnapped on January 16, 2025, outside her home in Arepo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

In a daring move, the kidnappers, four masked men, dragged her out of her sport utility vehicle (SUV) and took her to an undisclosed location through a swampy area, making the situation particularly harrowing.

However, in less than a week, the Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, successfully rescued Mrs. Odumosu and neutralized the kidnappers, recovering weapons and the ransom that had been demanded.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered In a public statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), where Peter Obi expressed his admiration for the professionalism and swiftness of the police response.

He congratulated them for bringing a safe and positive outcome to an otherwise terrifying situation, highlighting that such a successful operation demonstrated the ability of the police to act decisively when adequately motivated and supported.

Obi praised the collaborative effort between the Ogun State Police Command and the Force Headquarters in dismantling the criminal syndicate behind the abduction.

However, Obi also took the opportunity to address a wider issue that has often been a concern for ordinary Nigerians.

While praising the police’s swift action in this high-profile case, Obi urged the Nigerian Police Force to extend the same level of urgency, effectiveness, and professionalism to cases involving ordinary citizens, whose struggles often go unnoticed or underreported.

He pointed out that while Mrs. Odumosu’s abduction captured significant media attention, countless others, particularly common Nigerians, are victims of similar crimes but rarely receive the same level of attention, urgency, or swift resolution.

This statement by Obi highlighted a critical gap in the way the police respond to high-profile abductions compared to those involving ordinary citizens.

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His call for equal treatment underscores his belief that security forces should operate with the same level of diligence for every Nigerian, regardless of their background or social status.

Obi’s remarks touched upon a sensitive issue that has plagued many parts of Nigeria, where the safety of ordinary people is often compromised, and abduction cases involving them often go unresolved for prolonged periods.

Peter Obi’s concerns are not just rhetorical.

He has a history of addressing security issues in Nigeria with a hands-on approach, particularly during his time as the governor of Anambra State.

While Obi was governor, from 2006 to 2014, security was one of his primary concerns, especially in tackling the rampant kidnappings and criminal activities that were plaguing the state at the time.

He made it clear that security was not just a matter of law enforcement but a core component of his governance and leadership style.

Obi’s administration in Anambra was marked by several innovative initiatives aimed at tackling crime and improving security.

He took a proactive stance against kidnapping, which was a major issue in southeastern Nigeria.

To reduce the rampant kidnapping and insecurity, Obi revamped and strengthened the state’s security architecture.

His administration worked closely with security agencies, including the police, military, and vigilante groups, to combat crime in the region.

A critical initiative he launched was the establishment of the Anambra State Vigilante Group, a local security force that worked alongside the police to ensure the safety of citizens.

This group was tasked with patrolling the streets, gathering intelligence, and providing support to the police in securing communities.

The Anambra State Vigilante Group became instrumental in reducing the rate of crime in the state.

Obi also worked with the police to improve their response times and coordination, ensuring that citizens could rely on the state’s law enforcement agencies to protect them from harm.

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Peter Obi also invested in technology as part of his security strategy.

He advocated for the use of modern surveillance tools to assist the police and other security agencies in their fight against crime.

His government facilitated the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations around Anambra to monitor criminal activities and provide real-time information to law enforcement.

This use of technology, although not without its challenges, was considered an important step towards creating a safer environment in the state.

During his tenure, Obi also addressed the root causes of insecurity by promoting economic development.

He believed that poverty and lack of opportunity were key drivers of crime, including kidnapping, and thus worked to improve the state’s economy through infrastructure development, job creation, and other social initiatives.

He supported businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to create job opportunities for young people, who were often lured into criminal activities due to lack of employment.

A key element of Obi’s governance was his focus on improving the relationship between the police and the communities they served.

He understood that community policing was essential in the fight against crime, as it helped build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and local populations.

Obi advocated for regular meetings between community leaders, local police, and citizens to discuss security concerns and solutions.

This approach helped foster a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining law and order.

Peter Obi’s approach to security during his time as governor was not just about responding to crimes as they happened but also about preventing crime through a combination of proactive measures and community engagement.

He was deeply invested in ensuring that security was not a privilege for the few but a right for every citizen, regardless of their social status.

His emphasis on the security of ordinary Nigerians was clear in his policies and actions.

This is why his comments on the recent kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu resonate deeply with his political and leadership philosophy.

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By urging the Nigeria Police to extend the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving ordinary citizens, Obi is advocating for a more inclusive security approach, one that ensures that the security of all Nigerians—rich and poor, famous and unknown—is treated with the same seriousness and urgency.

Obi’s concern for the security of ordinary Nigerians highlights a broader issue within Nigerian society, where the plight of the less privileged often goes unnoticed, even in matters as critical as their safety.

While the police and other law enforcement agencies are often quick to respond when high-profile individuals are at risk, the same level of attention is not always given to the everyday Nigerian who falls victim to similar crimes.

This disparity in treatment is something Obi has long been concerned about, and it is evident that he continues to advocate for a more equitable approach to security, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their background, is afforded the protection and support they deserve.

In conclusion, while Peter Obi commended the police for their effective and swift response to the abduction of Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, he also highlighted the critical need for equal treatment when it comes to the security of ordinary Nigerians.

Drawing on his experience as governor, Obi emphasized that with proper leadership, motivation, and resources, the fight against crime can yield positive results for everyone, not just the well-known and the powerful.

He urged the police to extend the same professionalism and urgency seen in the recent rescue operation to the broader populace, ensuring that the safety and security of every Nigerian are prioritized, no matter their social status.


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