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The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called for urgent and decisive action to prevent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states.
Obi declared that the government must stop “counting bodies after every attack.”
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” Obi said in a post on X on Sunday.
He condemned the recent violence in the three neighbouring North-Central states, describing it as a national security emergency requiring coordinated action.
In Mangu, Plateau State, at least 23 people were reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack, while residents put the toll above 30. More than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed.
In Borgu, Niger State, recent attacks reportedly killed over 40 people and abducted more than 100, though the figures remain contested.
Obi noted that the violence comes amid continuing insecurity in Benue, where communities face repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
‘Nigeria is not officially at war’
Obi said 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.
“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 stated.
“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.”
Obi also urged governments at all levels to take decisive steps to end the violence.
“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible,” he said.
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less. Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi added.
