RismadarVoice Reporters, August 23, 2026
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government over the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose lives without decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.
Obi, in a statement on Sunday, described the attacks as part of a wider national security challenge after reports of killings, abductions and destruction of homes across the three North-Central states.
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 reportedly destroyed.
The former Anambra State governor also referenced attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 abducted, although he noted that the figures remained contested.
Obi said communities in Benue State were similarly facing repeated attacks, abductions and 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,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government and other levels of government to treat the attacks as a broader security crisis rather than isolated incidents.
Obi called for improved intelligence gathering, faster security responses and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” Obi said.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government, adding, “Nigeria must not become a killing field.”
