Peter Obi Calls For Urgent Action As Violence Escalates In North Central States

The 2027 presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for urgent and coordinated action by governments at all levels to halt the worsening violence across parts of Nigeria.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on X, following a series of deadly attacks reported in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, which he described as a national security emergency.

“What is happening to our country?” Obi asked, expressing concern over the recent attacks across the three contiguous North-Central states.

He cited the reported 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.

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Obi also referenced recent 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.

He said the incidents came amid continued violence in Benue, where communities have faced repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor said the violence in Benue, Plateau and Niger reflected a wider security challenge across the country, noting that some attacks may go unreported.

He argued that the incidents should no longer be treated as isolated attacks but as part of a broader national security emergency requiring immediate intervention.

“The violence across these states must no longer be treated as isolated incidents. It is a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action,” he said.

Obi urged federal, state and local governments to take decisive measures to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering and improve rapid-response capabilities.

He also called for intensified efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

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

He stressed that protecting lives and property remained the fundamental responsibility of government, adding that Nigerians deserved stronger action to secure their communities.

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