Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of killings and abductions in parts of the North-Central region, warning that Nigeria must not become a “killing field.”
Obi raised the alarm in a statement posted on Sunday, following fresh attacks in Plateau and Niger states and continued violence in Benue.
The former governor described the situation as a national security emergency and urged the Federal Government, state governments and local authorities to take urgent action to protect vulnerable communities.
“What is happening to our country?” Obi asked, pointing to the recent violence in Benue, Plateau and Niger states.
He said the attacks could no longer be treated as isolated incidents, arguing that similar violence was occurring in other parts of the country.
His statement came after a deadly wave of attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where several villages were targeted following Friday prayers.
Police and residents told the BBC that more than 100 people were abducted in the attacks and that more than 40 people were killed. The violence affected communities including Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.
Reports from the area have, however, differed on the exact casualty figures. The Associated Press reported that police had not confirmed a precise number of people abducted, while residents estimated that between 60 and 80 people were taken away.
Obi also referred to recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A government information report said at least 23 people were reportedly killed in an attack on Jwak Maitumbi, while about 45 residential structures were destroyed. The report said the casualty figure had not been officially confirmed by the Plateau State Police Command at the time.
The violence in Mangu subsequently escalated, with another attack in Bin-Per reportedly claiming at least 23 lives in what was described as a reprisal attack.
The attacks have renewed concerns about a cycle of violence in Plateau, where communities have suffered killings, displacement and destruction of property and farmlands.
Obi said Benue was also facing persistent attacks, with residents reportedly subjected to killings, abductions and 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.
The NDC presidential candidate called for stronger intelligence gathering and faster security responses, arguing that security agencies must identify threats before attackers reach vulnerable communities.
He also demanded intensified efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those behind 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,” Obi said.
The former governor said the government must shift from reacting to attacks after lives have been lost to preventing them in the first place.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.
Obi’s comments come as insecurity remains one of the major issues shaping political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress in May after leaving the African Democratic Congress and was later unveiled as the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso named as his running mate.
Security is expected to remain a central issue in the emerging presidential contest, with communities across parts of the North-Central and North-West continuing to face attacks, kidnappings and displacement.
Obi maintained that protecting lives and property was the fundamental duty of government.
“Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
