Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu over a surge in violent attacks across Nigeria, calling it a failure of leadership. On April 6, 2026, Obi posted on X that Tinubu's promise to victims in Jos that "this experience will not repeat itself" had failed, less than 24 hours after it was made. The statement followed an attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area, on April 3, which reportedly resulted in further casualties. Tinubu had visited Jos on April 2, 2026, meeting with grieving families at the airport and assuring them of improved security. He announced the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras in Jos and invited community leaders to Abuja for dialogue. Obi cited renewed violence in Nasarawa, Zamfara, Borno, Benue, and Kaduna states, saying Nigerians are being killed in their homes and communities. He stated the government's primary duty to protect lives and property is not being fulfilled. The Presidency defended Tinubu's airport meeting, citing scheduling and flight restrictions.
Peter Obi's rebuke lands hard because it hinges on a verifiable timeline — President Tinubu's assurance in Jos on April 2, followed by another deadly attack less than 24 hours later. That narrow window undermines the credibility of both the promise and the security strategy behind it. For Nigerians in conflict zones, the rapid recurrence of violence signals eroding trust in federal assurances. Security cannot be measured in camera deployments or airport photo-ops if attacks persist unabated.
