Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over the worsening wave of attacks in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, warning that Nigeria cannot continue to lose citizens while vulnerable communities remain exposed to violence.

Obi, in a statement on Sunday, expressed concern over the recent attacks across the three North-Central states, which have reportedly resulted in deaths, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

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 reportedly put the death toll above 30.

More than 45 houses were also reportedly destroyed in the attack.

The NDC candidate further referenced the recent violence in Borgu, Niger State, where more than 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 others abducted, although he acknowledged that the figures remained contested.

Obi said communities in Benue State were equally facing persistent attacks, abductions and destruction of property, describing the situation across the three states as a broader national security crisis that should not be treated as isolated incidents.

“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,” Obi said.

He called on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to urgently strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid-response mechanisms and provide adequate protection for communities vulnerable to attacks.

Obi also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians while ensuring 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,” he said.

He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the fundamental responsibility of government, urging authorities to take decisive steps to restore confidence and safety in affected communities.

“Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi added.