The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the latest killings in Benue State, describing the continued attacks as deeply saddening and unacceptable.

Obi, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Saturday, lamented that violence in the state has continued unabated, leaving innocent Nigerians dead and families devastated.

He said no words could adequately capture the pain of losing loved ones to violence, while extending his condolences to families affected by the latest attack in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area, where locals and security personnel were reportedly killed.

The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act urgently, apprehend those responsible and, most importantly, prevent further attacks.

“My heart goes out to the families who have once again been forced to bury their loved ones, and to the entire people of Logo. I share in your pain,” Obi said.

He recalled his recent visit to Benue to sympathise with families affected by the deadly attack in Yelwata, noting that his attempt to reach the affected community was disrupted.

According to him, the experience has further strengthened his resolve to ensure that Nigerians do not become indifferent to the suffering caused by insecurity.

Obi stressed that every Nigerian life must be valued equally, regardless of whether the victim is a farmer, child, police officer, soldier, Christian, Muslim or belongs to any ethnic group.

“Whether the victim is a farmer, a child, a police officer, a soldier, a Christian, a Muslim, or a person of any ethnic group, every Nigerian life has equal value. We must stop counting our dead and start protecting our living,” he said.

He prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and urged the government to confront insecurity decisively.

“A nation that cannot protect the lives of its citizens has a duty to ask itself some very difficult questions. We must do better. We must secure Nigeria,” Obi added.