Nigeria Cannot Become Killing Field, Obi Warns

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria must not become a “killing field” following deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger States.

Obi, in a statement on Sunday lamented that deadly attacks have struck the three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region in recent days.

“What is happening to our country?” he asked.

He noted that in Mangu, Plateau State, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack, while residents put the toll above 30, with more than 45 houses reportedly destroyed. In Borgu, Niger State, he said recent attacks reportedly killed over 40 people and abducted more than 100, though the figures remain contested.

He said this comes amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities face repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

“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.

Obi said 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,” he 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 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,” he said.

“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he stated.