By Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned a fresh wave of killings and abductions across Nigeria’s North-Central region, warning that the country risks becoming a “killing field” if governments fail to act decisively.
The Attacks
In a statement posted to his X handle on Sunday, August 23, Obi responded to a string of recent attacks across three contiguous North-Central states: Benue, Plateau, and Niger. He said at least 23 people were officially confirmed killed in an attack on the Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu, Plateau State, though residents put the death toll above 30, with more than 45 houses reportedly destroyed. In Borgu, Niger State, he said recent attacks had reportedly killed over 40 people and led to the abduction of more than 100 others, cautioning that the figures remained contested. He also pointed to continuing violence in Benue State, where communities have faced repeated killings, abductions, and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that Nigeria is not officially at war, yet described communities being attacked, worshippers abducted after prayers, families being driven from their homes, and farmers being stripped of their livelihoods. He argued the violence in the three states could no longer be treated as isolated incidents, noting that similar attacks were occurring elsewhere in the country.
Obi’s Call to Action
Obi urged governments at every level to strengthen security measures, improve intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, rescue those who have been abducted, and arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks. He called on authorities to treat the situation as an urgent national priority requiring decisive intervention rather than a continuation of the status quo.
He also argued that government efforts should shift toward preventing attacks before they happen rather than merely reacting after lives are lost, describing the protection of lives and property as the government’s most basic duty and insisting Nigerians deserve better than the current state of insecurity.
Background
Obi’s intervention adds to a growing chorus of concern over deteriorating security in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, where Benue, Plateau, and Niger states have all recorded a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions in recent weeks. His statement comes as Nigeria’s political class continues to position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, with insecurity emerging as a central point of contention between the ruling APC and opposition figures.
