The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged governments at all levels to take immediate steps to halt the killings and abductions reported in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Obi described the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states as a national security emergency, warning that the country must not become accustomed to escalating violence and insecurity.
The former Anambra State governor made the appeal in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday.
According to him, the incidents recorded across the three states are not isolated occurrences but reflect a broader security crisis affecting communities in different parts of Nigeria.
Obi wrote: “What is happening to our country? In recent days, deadly attacks have struck Benue, Plateau and Niger States, three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
“In Mangu, Plateau State, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack, while residents put the toll above 30. More than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed.
“In Borgu, Niger State, recent attacks reportedly killed over 40 people and abducted more than 100, though the figures remain contested. This comes amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities face repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.”
The NDC presidential candidate expressed alarm over the continued attacks on Nigerians in their communities despite the absence of a formal war in the country.
“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.
Obi called for stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering and faster emergency responses to prevent further attacks. He also demanded the rescue of abducted citizens and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
“I urge governments at all levels to wake up to their responsibility and take urgent and decisive action to end this madness once and for all,” Obi said.
“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible.”
The former governor maintained that security agencies and authorities should focus on preventing attacks instead of waiting until lives have been lost before responding.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen.
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
