‘We can’t keep counting bodies’ — Obi tackles Tinubu govt over Benue, Plateau, Niger attacks

For residents of parts of Benue, Plateau and Niger states, the recent wave of killings and abductions has brought fresh fear, loss and uncertainty, with communities once again mourning loved ones and worrying about their safety.

Reacting to the violence, former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the country’s security crisis, warning that Nigerians cannot continue to lose their lives to attacks.

In a statement titled “Nigeria Cannot Become a Killing Field,” shared on his X account on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Obi described the situation in the three North-Central states as a national security emergency.

His comments followed reports of attacks on communities in the affected states.

In Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, an attack on Jwak Maitumbi was reported to have killed at least 23 people, while local accounts reportedly put the death toll higher. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed, leaving families to deal with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes.

In Niger State, Obi also cited reports of more than 40 people killed and over 100 others abducted in recent attacks in Borgu Local Government Area. However, he acknowledged that the figures were contested and should therefore be treated as reported figures rather than independently confirmed casualty numbers.

Benue has also continued to experience deadly attacks, with communities facing killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

For families caught in the violence, the consequences go beyond the casualty figures. The attacks leave relatives grieving, residents afraid to return to their homes and communities struggling to protect their livelihoods.

Obi said the repeated attacks should not be treated as isolated incidents, arguing that the government must do more to prevent communities from being exposed to recurring violence.

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

He called on the Federal Government and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid-response operations, rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

Obi also questioned how citizens could continue to face killings and abductions despite Nigeria not being officially at war.

According to him, the protection of lives and property remains one of the fundamental responsibilities of government, adding that Nigerians should be able to live, work and travel without constantly fearing attacks.

The renewed violence has once again placed the safety of communities in Nigeria’s North-Central region at the centre of national concern, with affected families left to mourn their dead while calling for stronger protection from the authorities.