The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings and abductions across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, warning that the country must not become a “killing field.”
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday following a series of deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states.
Describing the situation as a national security emergency, the former Anambra State governor called on governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives.
According to Obi, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack in Mangu, Plateau State, although residents reportedly put the death toll above 30. More than 45 houses were also said to have been destroyed.
He also cited recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and over 100 abducted, although the figures remain disputed.
Obi said the violence should no longer be viewed as isolated incidents, noting that communities in Benue and other parts of the country continue to face killings, abductions and the 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,” he said.
He urged the government to strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
Obi stressed that security agencies and governments must focus on preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.
He added that protecting lives and property remains the most basic responsibility of government and urged authorities to act decisively to restore security across affected communities.
“Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi said.
