Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the forthcoming general election, Peter Obi, has called on governments at all levels to take decisive action to address the worsening insecurity across the country.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, condemned the renewed attacks on communities across several states, describing the situation as a national security emergency that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.
He cited recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger States, urging authorities to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
“In recent days, deadly attacks have struck Benue, Plateau and Niger States, three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region,” Obi said.
He noted that at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack in Mangu, Plateau State, while residents reportedly put the death toll above 30. More than 45 houses were also said to have been destroyed.
In Borgu, Niger State, recent attacks reportedly claimed more than 40 lives and led to the abduction of over 100 people, although the figures remain contested.
Obi said the attacks occurred against the backdrop of continuing violence in Benue, where communities have repeatedly suffered killings, abductions and the destruction of homes, farms and livelihoods.
He expressed concern that Nigerians were increasingly being attacked in villages, farms and even places of worship, warning that the violence in different parts of the country should no longer be treated as isolated incidents.
“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,” Obi said.
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“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported. The violence across these states must no longer be treated as isolated incidents. It is a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.”
The former Anambra State governor called on governments at all levels to take responsibility for protecting citizens and confronting the growing insecurity.
“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,” he said.
According to Obi, the government must improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, protect vulnerable communities, rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of the government. Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
Obi’s comments come amid renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of the country, with communities facing persistent attacks, displacement, abductions and destruction of property.
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