Nigeria Must Not Become a Killing Field, Obi Warns

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria democratic congress (NDC) in the 2027 Presidential election Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria, warning that the country must not become a “killing field.”
Obi raised the alarm over recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, describing the situation as a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action by governments at all levels.
He cited the recent 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. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.
He also referred to recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and over 100 abducted, although the figures remain contested.
Obi said the violence had continued in Benue, with communities facing repeated 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 called on the Federal Government and state authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that perpetrators of attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
The former presidential candidate stressed that security agencies and governments 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.”
Obi urged governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard lives and property across the country.