Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of killings in Plateau State and other parts of North-Central Nigeria. In a strongly worded statement shared on his verified Twitter account, Obi called for urgent and deliberate government intervention to address the rising insecurity that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced scores of families.
The Plateau Killings and Rising Insecurity
The violence in Plateau State has escalated, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area, where communal clashes, banditry, and kidnappings have resulted in significant loss of life and property. Obi highlighted the alarming statistics from the 1st Quarter Mass Atrocities Casualty Tracking Report, which recorded over 1,230 deaths across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Among these casualties were 79 security operatives, alongside over 600 reported abductions.
Obi described the ongoing carnage as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that innocent lives are being wasted needlessly through communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping activities. He lamented the lack of robust resistance from security operatives in affected areas, particularly in Plateau State.
Call for Urgent Government Action
Obi urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate steps to curb the violence. He stressed the importance of valuing human lives and responding swiftly to incidents that threaten public safety. According to Obi, insecurity not only leads to tragic loss of life but also hinders economic development by deterring investors from entering unstable regions.
He stated: “We as a people through our various governments should up our value for human lives in the way and manner we respond to issues that touch lives. The implications of an insecure environment for development are far-reaching because no investor will consider going to an area where their resources will not be safe and secured.”
Recommendations for Addressing Insecurity
Obi outlined several recommendations for tackling insecurity in Plateau State and other affected regions:
- Strategic and Intelligence-Driven Security Measures: He called on security agencies to adopt more strategic approaches to combating crime, including intelligence-driven operations that prevent attacks before they occur.
- Engagement with Traditional and Religious Leaders: Obi urged critical stakeholders—traditional rulers, Christian leaders, and Muslim leaders—to promote peace among their communities through dialogue and conflict resolution.
- Addressing Poverty and Unemployment: He emphasized the need for governments at all levels to tackle poverty and youth unemployment as root causes of insecurity. Obi referred to “stomach infrastructure”—providing basic needs—as a practical way to reduce crime rates.
- Ameliorating Hardship: He called for intentional efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians by addressing economic challenges that exacerbate insecurity.
Broader Concerns Across Nigeria
Beyond Plateau State, Obi also expressed concern about insecurity in other parts of Nigeria. He condemned violent attacks in Benue and Zamfara states as well as criminal activities in the South-East region purportedly carried out under the guise of enforcing sit-at-home directives by unknown gunmen. He commended South-East governors for their efforts to curb these activities but stressed the need for more strategic measures to protect innocent citizens.
Obi noted that insecurity disrupts business activities across regions, further deepening economic hardship. He warned that continued bloodshed would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s development if left unchecked.
Public Reaction
Obi’s statement has resonated with many Nigerians who share his concerns about rising insecurity. Citizens have taken to social media platforms to express their frustration with government handling of security issues, calling for immediate reforms and accountability from security agencies.
Some commentators praised Obi’s emphasis on tackling poverty and unemployment as long-term solutions to insecurity. Others urged political leaders across party lines to unite in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Security Challenges in Plateau State
Plateau State has been plagued by communal clashes fueled by ethnic tensions, competition over land resources, and retaliatory attacks between farming communities and herders. These conflicts have persisted despite efforts by successive governments to mediate disputes and deploy security personnel.
The situation worsened recently with reports of armed groups targeting villages in coordinated attacks. Residents have criticized what they perceive as inadequate protection from security forces, demanding stronger intervention from both state and federal governments.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s condemnation of the killings in Plateau State highlights the urgent need for decisive government action against insecurity in Nigeria. His recommendations—ranging from strategic security measures to poverty alleviation—offer a roadmap for addressing underlying causes of violence while prioritizing human lives.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with rising insecurity across regions, Obi’s call serves as a reminder that peacebuilding requires collective effort from governments, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and citizens alike. The tragedy unfolding in Plateau State underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions that restore safety and stability across Nigeria’s troubled areas.
