Banner Online News

By Our Reporter 

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria is fast sliding into a dangerous security crisis, declaring that the country “must not become a killing field” as deadly attacks continue across parts of the North-Central region.

Obi, in a post on his X handle, expressed concern over recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, describing the violence as part of a wider national security emergency that demands 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 said to have been destroyed.

The former Anambra State governor further pointed to attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and over 100 abducted, although he acknowledged that the figures remained contested.

According to Obi, the situation in Benue is equally alarming, with communities repeatedly subjected to killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported,” he said.

He warned that the continued violence could no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents, insisting that the scale and persistence of the attacks point to a broader national security emergency.

“ 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.

He called on the Federal Government, state governments and other relevant authorities to immediately strengthen security measures, improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted citizens and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

Obi said the country must move beyond reacting to attacks after lives have been lost, stressing the need for preventive security measures capable of stopping attacks before they occur.

“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he declared.

He maintained that the protection of lives and property remains the most fundamental responsibility of government, adding that Nigerians deserve effective action to restore security and confidence in their communities.

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

“Nigeria must not become a killing field.”