*Says ‘we can’t keep counting bodies’

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has lambasted the Federal Government over the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose lives while communities are left vulnerable.

Obi expressed his concern in a statement on Sunday while reacting to attacks that have reportedly left dozens dead, others abducted and homes destroyed across the three North-Central states.

The NDC presidential flagbearer cited the recent attack in Jwak Maitumbi, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where no fewer than 23 people were officially reported dead, while residents reportedly put the figure above 30.

More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.

Obi also made reference to recent attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where over 40 people were reportedly killed and more than 100 abducted.

He noted that the figures remained contested.

Obi said communities in Benue State were also facing repeated attacks, abductions and destruction of homes and livelihoods.

“Nigeria is not officially at war, yet citizens are being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and stripped of their farms,” he said.

According to the NDC presidential candidate, the attacks across the three states should no longer be treated as separate incidents but as a wider national security challenge requiring urgent action.

He urged governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response and protect communities vulnerable to attacks.

Obi also urged security agencies to rescue abducted Nigerians, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

“We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.

Obi further stated that protecting lives and property remained the basic responsibility of government.

“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” he warned.