Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has decried the rising insecurity in Borno State, urging the Federal Government to do something fast about it.

This was as the South-West East and North Initiative (SWENON) called on traditional and religious leaders to play a more active role in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, is excited over the massive turnout of residents for prayers and fasting to end terrorism and kidnapping for peace to reign in the state.

Obi, via his X handle, yesterday, particularly expressed fears over the worsening security situation in the Marte area of the state, which he described as unsettling, while calling on the Federal Government to send reinforcements to complement efforts being made by troops on the ground.

The former Anambra State governor commended Zulum for his commitment to the restoration of normalcy in the troubled area with his courageous decision to not only visit but stay with his people in the war-torn area.

He posted, “The security situation in Borno is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored.”

IN a statement issued by the Chairman, Dr Samuel Jenfa, SWENON expressed concern over the spate of insecurity across the country, attributing it to the unregulated movement of arms and the growing activities of bandits and terrorist groups.

Jenfa stressed that the security challenges could not be tackled by President Bola Tinubu alone and urged stakeholders across various sectors to collaborate with the government. He emphasised the need to review the recruitment process into the nation’s security forces, while calling for the removal of corrupt officers within the police and military.

“Our recruitment exercises in the police and military facilities should be reviewed. These officers should be given high-tech training and provided with modern crime-fighting equipment,” he said.

IN a statewide broadcast over the weekend, Zulum had urged the people to join him in observing a day of prayer and fasting on Monday.

According to him, the exercise was to seek divine intervention for sustained peace in the state, the North-East and the country in general.

The governor, who is on a resilience tour to some of the hard-to-reach local councils, conveyed his appreciation through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.

“From the reports I have received, the response to our call for a day of prayer and fasting on Monday has been highly impressive, with participation from both Muslim and Christian faithful,” said the governor.