Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over the spate of attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, saying Nigeria cannot continue to lose citizens while vulnerable communities remain exposed to violence.
Obi made the remarks in a statement on Sunday while reacting to recent attacks across the three North-Central states, which reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths, abductions and the destruction of homes and properties.
He specifically cited the recent attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 23 people were officially reported killed. Residents, however, reportedly put the death toll at more than 30.
More than 45 houses were also said to have been destroyed during the attack.
Obi also referenced recent violence in Borgu, Niger State, where reports indicated that more than 40 people were killed and over 100 others abducted, although he noted that the figures remained disputed.
According to him, communities across Benue State have equally continued to suffer repeated attacks, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Obi said the incidents across the three states should no longer be viewed as isolated attacks but as part of a broader national security crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action.
He called on the Federal, state and local governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms and provide better protection for communities vulnerable to attacks.
The former Anambra State governor also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
“ We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” Obi said.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to degenerate into a country where citizens live under constant fear of attacks.
“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” he added.
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