Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action to end the spate of killings, abductions and destruction of communities across parts of the country.
Obi, in a Facebook post, expressed concern over recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger States, describing the situation as a national security emergency that requires coordinated intervention.
He cited the reported 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. He also noted reports that more than 45 houses were destroyed during the incident.
According to him, recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, also reportedly resulted in more than 40 deaths and the abduction of over 100 people, although he acknowledged that the figures remain contested.
Obi said the developments were occurring alongside continued violence in Benue State, where communities have faced repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and
livelihoods.
He argued that the attacks should not be viewed as isolated incidents, stressing that similar violence was being reported in other parts of the country, with some incidents allegedly going unreported
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.
He urged the Federal Government, state governments and other relevant authorities to strengthen security measures, improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, and intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on communities, stressing that government 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.
Obi maintained that protecting lives and property remained the fundamental responsibility of government, urging authorities to prioritise the safety of vulnerable communities.
He warned that Nigeria must not allow the continued insecurity to turn the country into what he described as a “killing field.”
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field,” he said.
