Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings and abductions across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, warning that the country must not allow insecurity to become the norm.
Obi, in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, described the attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states as a national security emergency and urged governments at all levels to take urgent action to protect vulnerable communities.
He said the recent incidents were part of a wider pattern of insecurity across the country and should not be treated as isolated attacks.
Obi referenced the attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed, while residents put the figure above 30. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.
He also cited recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports put the number of people killed at more than 40 and those abducted at over 100, although the figures remain contested. He added that communities in Benue continue to face repeated killings, abductions and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“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.”
The former Anambra State governor called for stronger security measures, better intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, as well as urgent efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Obi also stressed that governments should focus on preventing attacks rather than waiting until lives have already been lost before responding.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen.”
He said protecting lives and property remains the most basic responsibility of government and urged authorities to act decisively to restore security.
“Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
Source: Peter Obi’s statement.
