Peter Obi Raises the Alarm, Says Over 1,000 Nigerians Killed in 2026

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, claiming that more than 1,000 Nigerians have been killed within the first two months of 2026.

Obi made the assertion while lamenting what he described as the growing wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks across several states in the country.

According to him, thousands more have been abducted in the same period, as communities continue to face assaults from armed groups.

The former Anambra State governor criticised political leaders for shifting attention toward the 2027 general elections while citizens grapple with insecurity.

He warned that national discourse appears increasingly dominated by political calculations rather than urgent efforts to protect lives and property.

While politicians are busy discussing power and permutations for 2027, Nigerians are being killed and buried daily,” Obi said, stressing that security must be treated as a top national priority.

Recent attacks have been reported in parts of the North-West, North-Central and other regions, including states such as Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Edo and Ondo.

Armed banditry, communal clashes, kidnappings for ransom and insurgent activities continue to strain security forces and deepen public anxiety.

Security analysts say the persistent violence reflects longstanding structural challenges, including inadequate intelligence coordination, porous borders, unemployment and the proliferation of small arms.

Civil society organisations have also called for improved community policing, better welfare for security personnel and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

The Federal Government has repeatedly assured citizens of intensified efforts to combat insecurity, deploying additional troops to flashpoints and strengthening surveillance operations.

However, critics argue that more decisive and coordinated action is required to stem the tide of killings.

Obi’s latest remarks have reignited debate over the country’s security architecture and whether sufficient resources and political will are being deployed to address the crisis.