The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings and abductions in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, urging governments at all levels to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Obi described the attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states as a national security emergency, warning that the worsening violence must not be allowed to become normal in the country.
The former Anambra State governor made the call in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, saying the attacks were part of a broader pattern of insecurity across Nigeria rather than isolated incidents.
Obi cited recent attacks in the three states, including the Jwak Maitumbi attack in Mangu, Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed, while residents put the death toll above 30. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.
He also referenced recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 abducted, although the figures remain contested.
Obi said the incidents came amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities have faced repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“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 concern that Nigerians were 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 called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, while urging authorities to rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
“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.”
Obi said the government must prioritise preventing attacks rather than responding only after lives and property have been lost.
“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.”
