Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate, has called for urgent government action to halt the wave of killings, abductions, and destruction of communities in parts of Nigeria. In a statement posted on X on Sunday, August 23, Obi said recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Niger states highlighted the worsening security situation in the country.
Deadly Attacks in Plateau, Niger, and Benue
Obi cited the attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he said at least 23 people were officially reported killed, and added that over 45 houses were reportedly destroyed in the attack. He also referred to recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and over 100 others abducted, although he acknowledged that the figures remained contested.
Obi said the situation in Benue was equally troubling, with communities facing repeated attacks, killings, abductions, and destruction of homes and livelihoods. “What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported,” he said.
A Broader National Security Crisis
According to him, the recurring attacks should no longer be viewed as separate incidents but as a broader national security crisis requiring a coordinated response. “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.
“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. The former presidential candidate said the government should focus on preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives had been lost.
Prevention Over Reaction
“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 government. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said. “Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
The statement, titled “Nigeria Cannot Become a Killing Field,” was posted on Obi’s official X account and drew attention to the three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region. The attacks underscore the urgent need for a coordinated national response to protect citizens and prevent further loss of life and property.
