Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has criticised the Federal Government over the recent wave of attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that the country cannot continue to witness the loss of lives while vulnerable communities remain unprotected.
Obi expressed his concerns in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a series of attacks that have reportedly left dozens of people dead, several others kidnapped and properties destroyed across the three North-Central states.
He referenced the recent attack on Jwak Maitumbi in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where authorities reportedly confirmed the deaths of at least 23 people, although residents claimed the death toll could be more than 30.
More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed during the attack.
The former Anambra State governor also drew attention to attacks in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 others abducted. He noted, however, that the casualty figures remained disputed.
Obi further expressed concern over the security situation in Benue State, where several communities have continued to experience attacks, kidnappings and the destruction of homes and sources of livelihood.
“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.
According to him, the violence in Benue, Plateau and Niger should not be viewed as isolated incidents but as part of a broader national security crisis requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
He called on the federal and state governments to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen rapid-response systems and provide better protection for communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
Obi also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those who have been abducted and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property remains one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government.
“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi said.
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The latest comments come amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, where several communities have faced deadly attacks, kidnappings and displacement.
Benue and Plateau states have repeatedly recorded violence that has resulted in deaths, the destruction of homes and the displacement of residents from their communities. Niger State has also faced persistent security challenges, including attacks by armed groups and mass abductions.
Peter Obi has frequently criticised the government’s handling of insecurity and called for stronger intelligence gathering, faster security responses and greater accountability for those responsible for attacks.
His latest intervention follows reports of fresh violence in Plateau and Niger, as well as continuing attacks on communities in Benue, with Obi arguing that the incidents should be treated as a major national security concern rather than isolated events.
