Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action following a wave of killings and abductions in Niger, Benue and Plateau states.
Obi described the attacks across the three North-Central states as a national security emergency, warning that the country must not allow the escalating violence to become normalised.
The former Anambra State governor made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in which he expressed concern over the worsening security situation.
He said the recent attacks should not be treated as isolated incidents but as part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting communities across the country.
Obi cited the 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 reported attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 abducted, although he acknowledged that the figures remained contested.
The comments came amid wider security concerns in Niger State, where an attack in the Borgu area reportedly resulted in mass abductions and deaths. Reuters reported that authorities were still working to verify the number of people missing, while the Presidency had ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted residents.
Obi said the situation in Benue was equally troubling, with communities repeatedly facing killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“What is happening to our country?” Obi asked, expressing concern that Nigerians were being attacked in their communities despite the country not being officially at war.
He urged the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to strengthen security measures, improve intelligence gathering and enhance rapid-response capabilities.
He also called for the immediate rescue of abducted Nigerians and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
According to Obi, government 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,” he said.
He stressed that protecting lives and property remained the most fundamental responsibility of government, adding that Nigerians deserved effective protection from armed attacks.
“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi warned.
