The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as painful, deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor called for a proactive, intelligence-driven security architecture to halt the recurring bloodshed and bring perpetrators to justice.

Obi was reacting to the killing of at least 18 people in separate attacks in Benue State and the murder of nine members of a family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Benue attacks occurred over the weekend, with at least 16 people reportedly killed in the Otukpo-Nobi community, while two others lost their lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday, bringing the death toll in the state to no fewer than 18.

In Plateau State, nine members of the same family were killed on Saturday night when gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area, according to community sources.

Reacting to the incidents, Obi said the killings underscored the country’s prolonged security crisis and the urgent need for decisive government action.

“The reported murders are a painful reminder that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” he said.

He lamented that communities in Benue, Plateau and other parts of Nigeria had endured years of violence, displacement and insecurity.

“For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated.

“We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not,” Obi stated.

The NDC presidential candidate stressed that the foremost responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, noting that every Nigerian life is invaluable.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short,” he said.

Obi urged the Federal Government to move beyond issuing routine condemnations after attacks and instead establish a security system capable of preventing violence through intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability.

“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability.

“Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end,” he added.

He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those who lost loved ones and speedy recovery for those injured.

“This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked,” Obi said.