Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ presidential candidate, has condemned recent killings and abductions in Nigeria’s North Central area, stressing that the country must not become a “killing field.”
Obi announced the announcement in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, following recent attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Niger states.
He referred to the attacks as a national security emergency, calling on governments at all levels to take immediate and decisive action to safeguard vulnerable groups and avoid more violence.
He wrote, ”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.”
Obi stated 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 claimed that the violence in the three states should no longer be considered isolated episodes, pointing out that similar attacks were taking place throughout the country.
The former governor of Anambra State asked all tiers of government to boost security, increase information collection and rapid reaction skills, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those guilty for the attacks.
“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.
“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible.”
Obi mentioned that the government should focus on preventing attacks rather than responding after lives had 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.”
