Nigeria Not Officially At War Yet We Keep Counting Dead Bodies – Obi

Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the forthcoming general election, Peter Obi, has asked governments at all levels to live up to their responsibility and take decisive action to address rising insecurity in the country.

Obi, in a statement on his X handle on Sunday, condemned renewed attacks in villages and towns across the country, saying the situation requires urgent and coordinated action.

Citing recent attacks in parts of Benue, Plateau and Niger States, the former Anambra State governor urged authorities to protect communities and ensure safety of lives and property of the citizens.

“In recent days, deadly attacks have struck Benue, Plateau and Niger States, three contiguous states in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

“In Mangu, Plateau State, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack, while residents put the toll above 30. More than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed. In Borgu, Niger State, recent attacks reportedly killed over 40 people and abducted more than 100, though the figures remain contested.”

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

He decried the growing attacks and abductions targeting Nigerians in different places, including worship centres and farms, warning that the violence across states must not be treated as isolated incidents

“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.

“What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported. 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 urged governments at all levels to rise to their responsibility to address the growing insecurity in the country.

“I urge governments at all levels to wake up to their responsibility and take urgent and decisive action to end this madness once and for all.

“Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible.

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

“Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of the government. Nigerians deserve nothing less.  Nigeria must not become a killing field.” Obi added. (Daily trust)