The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has described the renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states as painful and deeply disturbing.
The former governor of Anambra State in a post on his X handle on Monday, said the killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of 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 was unacceptable and called for a proactive, intelligence-driven security response
The attacks, which occurred at the weekend, also claimed two lives in Akpachi village in the Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday, bringing the death toll from the Benue attacks to at least 18.
In Plateau State, the victims, identified by community sources as members of one family, were killed on Saturday night when gunmen struck Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom.
The NDC presidential candidate insisted that the primary responsibility of any government remained the protection of lives and property, stressing that every Nigerian life was sacred.
Obi called for an end to routine condemnations after every attack, urging the government to build a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive.
Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those who mourn and healing for the injured.