Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria, questioning recent assurances by President Bola Tinubu that deadly attacks would not happen again.
Obi’s reaction follows the President’s visit to Plateau State on April 2, 2026, after a deadly attack in parts of the state. During the visit, Tinubu addressed grieving residents and promised that such incidents would not be repeated.
However, Obi said new attacks reported shortly after the President’s visit appear to contradict that assurance. In a statement shared on his official account on X, the former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over what he described as a worsening security situation across the country.
“Less than 24 hours after President Tinubu stood at the Jos airport and promised that this experience would not repeat itself, another brutal attack occurred,” Obi said.
He referred to an incident in Nyamgo Gyel, located in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where several people were reportedly killed. According to him, the attack came shortly after the President’s visit, raising questions about the effectiveness of government response.
Plateau State has been one of the flashpoints of communal and ethnic violence in Nigeria for many years. Conflicts in the state are often linked to disputes over land, religion, and identity, with clashes between farming communities and herders frequently leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Beyond Plateau, Obi also highlighted fresh violence in Nasarawa State, where communities were reportedly attacked by gunmen. He said residents of Akyawa and Udege Kasa fled their homes after at least 11 people were killed and houses set ablaze.
“Many homes were reduced to ashes, and numerous families remain missing,” he stated.
In recent years, Nasarawa State has also experienced growing insecurity, partly due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states affected by banditry and communal clashes. Displaced persons from other regions have also moved into the state, sometimes increasing pressure on local resources.
Obi further drew attention to mass abductions in Zamfara State, a state widely known as a centre of banditry in northwestern Nigeria. According to him, about 150 people were abducted from Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities in what he described as one of the largest recent kidnappings.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, especially in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger. Armed groups often target rural communities, schools, and highways, demanding large sums of money for the release of victims.
On the same day, Obi said, there were also attacks in Borno State, particularly in Chibok. The town gained global attention in 2014 after the abduction of schoolgirls by insurgents, an incident that drew international outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
According to Obi, suspected terrorists attacked Chibok again, killing security personnel and destroying homes. Borno State remains at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, with attacks by extremist groups continuing despite years of military operations.
The former governor also cited violence in Benue State, where he said more than 17 people were killed on Easter Sunday. Benue has long been affected by clashes between farmers and herders, leading to repeated cycles of violence and displacement.
In addition, he mentioned fresh attacks in Kaduna State, where several people were reportedly killed and others abducted in communities including Ariko in Kachia Local Government Area. Kaduna has faced persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on villages and places of worship.
Obi questioned how such incidents could continue despite assurances from the highest level of government.
“Yet we were told this experience will not repeat itself,” he said. “This represents a failure of leadership and responsibility, and sadly Nigerians are paying for it with their lives.”
He stressed that the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government, adding that the current situation suggests that more needs to be done.
“These attackers are not invisible. When there is no strong response, they become more confident,” he said.
Obi also raised concerns about the safety of ordinary Nigerians, noting that many attacks occur in homes, communities, and even places of worship.
“Nigerians are being killed in places where they should feel safest,” he said. “If even leaders cannot visit some of these communities, then who is truly safe?”
Describing the situation as urgent, Obi called for immediate and decisive action to address insecurity across the country.
“This is a national emergency. Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is getting worse,” he added.
Nigeria has faced multiple security challenges over the past decade, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in the North-Central, and separatist tensions in parts of the South-East. Despite efforts by successive governments, the problems have persisted, raising concerns among citizens and stakeholders.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving security through reforms in the armed forces, better intelligence gathering, and stronger coordination among security agencies. However, recent incidents have continued to test public confidence.
Security analysts say the complexity of Nigeria’s challenges requires a combination of military action, community engagement, economic development, and political will. They also stress the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and weak governance.
For many Nigerians, the latest wave of attacks is a reminder of the urgent need for lasting solutions. As communities continue to mourn their losses, calls are growing louder for the government to take stronger and more effective steps to restore peace and security across the country.
Obi’s remarks have added to the ongoing national conversation, placing renewed focus on the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and prevent further loss of lives.