Nigeria Must Not Become a Killing Field — Peter Obi
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over the worsening insecurity across parts of Nigeria, warning that the country must not become a “killing field.”
Obi, in a statement, expressed concern over recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, describing the situation as a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action by governments at all levels.
He cited the recent attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed, while residents reportedly put the death toll above 30. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.
He also referenced recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, which reportedly claimed over 40 lives and led to the abduction of more than 100 people, although the figures remain contested.
According to Obi, the latest incidents come amid continuing violence in Benue State, where communities have suffered repeated killings, abductions and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
He said it was unacceptable that Nigerians were being attacked in their communities, abducted after prayers, displaced from their homes and deprived of their means of livelihood despite the country not being officially at war.
“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported,” Obi said.
He urged the Federal Government, state governments and other relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive measures to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted citizens and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
Obi warned that the government must move beyond counting casualties after attacks and focus on preventing them.
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said.
