Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on insecurity following renewed attacks in Benue and Plateau states that reportedly claimed more than 200 lives.
In a statement, Obi condemned the persistent violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, describing the recurring killings as unacceptable and warning against allowing the country to normalize mass killings.
The former Anambra State governor said the latest attacks, which targeted rural communities and displaced persons’ settlements, reflected a worsening security situation that demands urgent and decisive action.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where armed attackers reportedly stormed the community at night, killing scores of residents and destroying homes.
Reacting to the attacks, Obi described the violence as “a failure of leadership and a stain on our collective conscience,” stressing that every Nigerian life is valuable and must be protected.
“We cannot accept the normalization of mass killing. It is intolerable. Every life lost is a Nigerian life, each one precious, each one irreplaceable,” he said.
Obi urged the Federal Government to adopt a proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy to address the recurring attacks rather than relying on reactive measures.
He also criticized what he described as the government’s emphasis on symbolic visits and public statements after tragic incidents, insisting that effective leadership should be measured by concrete actions that prevent attacks and protect lives.
According to him, security agencies must intensify efforts to dismantle the networks of armed groups responsible for the violence and restore safety to affected communities.
“The survival of our people must not be negotiable; it demands urgent, deliberate, and comprehensive action,” Obi said. “The relevant authorities must move beyond symbolic gestures to decisive deployment. Their actions should speak louder than visits or statements.”
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Benue and Plateau states, where repeated clashes and armed attacks have displaced thousands of residents and claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. Humanitarian groups and community leaders have continued to call for stronger security measures to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.