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Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi, has lamented the murder rate in the country, especially around the middle belt region.
Obi stated that his country was not officially at war, and that “We cannot keep counting the death toll after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen”, even as he called for urgent government action to stop the wave of killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities in parts of Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement posted on X on Sunday, said recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states had highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the country.
He described the three states, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, as the latest areas to experience attacks that have claimed many lives and forced residents to flee.
Obi cited the attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he said at least 23 people were officially reported dead, while residents put the death toll at more than 30.
He added that more than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed in the attack.
The former governor also referred to the recent attack in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and more than 100 kidnapped, although he acknowledged that the figures were disputed.
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Obi said the situation in Benue was equally disturbing, where communities faced repeated attacks, killings, kidnappings and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, in fact some attacks are not being reported,” he said.
According to him, these repeated attacks should no longer be viewed as isolated incidents, but rather as a broader national security crisis that requires a coordinated response.
“Nigeria is not officially at war, but its citizens are being attacked in their villages, kidnapped after prayers, driven from their homes and losing their agricultural land,” Obi said.
He urged federal, state and local governments to take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Obi called for increased intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities, as well as intensive efforts to rescue kidnapped Nigerians and arrest those responsible for the violence.
“I urge governments at all levels to recognize their responsibilities and take immediate and decisive action to end this madness once and for all,” he said.
The former presidential candidate said the government must focus on preventing attacks, not just responding to casualties.
“We cannot keep counting the number of victims after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.
Obi emphasized that the protection of lives and property remains the fundamental responsibility of the government.
“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less,” he said.
He concluded by warning against allowing the deteriorating security situation to normalize, stating: “Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
