The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent wave of killings, abductions and destruction in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose citizens to insecurity.
Obi made the remarks in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a series of deadly attacks reported across the three North-Central states.
According to him, the scale and frequency of the violence require the government to treat the situation as a broader national security emergency rather than as isolated incidents.
‘We Cannot Keep Counting Bodies’
Obi expressed concern that Nigerians are being attacked in their communities despite the country not being officially at war.
“Nigeria is not officially at war, yet citizens are being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and stripped of their farms,” he said.
He argued that the continued loss of lives, displacement of communities and destruction of livelihoods could have serious consequences for the country’s stability and food security.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” Obi added.
Concern Over Plateau and Niger Attacks
The former Anambra State governor cited the recent attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed.
Residents reportedly put the death toll higher, while more than 45 houses were said to have been destroyed.
Obi also referred to reports of attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 others abducted. He noted that figures surrounding the incident remained contested.
He said communities in Benue State were also facing repeated attacks, abductions and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Obi Calls for Stronger Security Measures
Obi urged the Federal Government, state governments and local authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve rapid-response capabilities in vulnerable communities.
He also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
According to him, preventing attacks should be given greater priority than responding after lives have already been lost.
The former governor stressed that protecting lives and property remains one of the fundamental responsibilities of government.
‘Nigeria Must Not Become a Killing Field’
Obi warned that continued violence could deepen fear and insecurity across the country if urgent measures are not taken.
“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” he said, calling for coordinated action to protect communities and restore confidence among citizens.
He maintained that governments at all levels must move beyond statements of condemnation and implement practical measures capable of preventing attacks, protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
