NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into a “killing field.”
In a statement shared on his official X account, Obi described the escalating violence across the three North-Central states as a national security emergency, urging governments at all levels to take immediate and decisive steps to protect citizens.
Reacting to the latest attacks, the former Anambra State governor lamented the growing loss of lives and destruction of communities, saying the country was witnessing a disturbing pattern of violence that could no longer be treated as isolated incidents.
“What is happening to our country?” Obi asked.
He noted that in recent days, deadly attacks have hit Benue, Plateau and Niger states, all located within Nigeria’s North-Central region.
According to him, at least 23 people were officially confirmed killed during the attack on Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, while residents claimed the death toll exceeded 30. He added that more than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed in the assault.
Obi also referred to the recent attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where reports indicated that over 40 people were killed and more than 100 others abducted, although he acknowledged that the casualty figures remain disputed.
He further observed that the violence comes amid continued attacks in Benue State, where several communities have suffered repeated killings, kidnappings and widespread destruction of homes and means of livelihood.
“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.
The former presidential candidate stressed that the insecurity witnessed in Benue, Plateau and Niger reflects a broader security challenge affecting several parts of the country, with many attacks allegedly going unreported.
“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.”
Obi called on governments at all levels to fulfil their constitutional responsibility by taking stronger measures to safeguard lives and property.
“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.
“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible.
“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.”
