The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing them as painful and deeply disturbing.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the former governor of Anambra State, 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, calling for a proactive, intelligence-driven security response.
The attacks, which occurred over the weekend, also left two people dead in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, on Friday, bringing the total number of people killed in the Benue attacks to at least 18.
In Plateau State, suspected gunmen killed members of the same family on Saturday night during attacks on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area, according to community sources.
Reacting to the killings, Obi described the reported murders as a painful reminder that “the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.”
He said, “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.”
The presidential candidate reiterated that the main responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, emphasizing that every Nigerian life was sacred.
He said, “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.”
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.
“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 said.
Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families as well as the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those grieving and speedy recovery for those injured.
He added, “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.”
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