The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger States, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose lives while vulnerable communities remain exposed to violence.

Obi made the call in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a series of attacks across the three North-Central states that reportedly left dozens dead, several others abducted and homes destroyed.

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, while residents put the death toll at more than 30. More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed.

The former Anambra State governor also referenced attacks in Borgu, Niger State, where over 40 people were reportedly killed and more than 100 abducted, although he noted that the figures remained contested.

According to Obi, communities in Benue State are equally facing repeated attacks, abductions and the 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.

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 governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms and provide adequate protection for communities vulnerable to attacks.

He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for the violence are arrested and prosecuted.

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

He stressed that protecting lives and property remains the fundamental responsibility of government, adding, “Nigeria must not become a killing field.”