Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as “painful, disturbing and unacceptable”.
Obi reacted to the killing of at least 16 people in Otukpo-Nobi community, 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, in a statement posted on his X account on Monday.
The weekend attacks also claimed two more lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, bringing the death toll from the Benue attacks to at least 18.
“The killings are a reflection of a worsening security crisis that has left many communities living in fear,” Obi said, expressing concern over the persistent violence.
For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria lived in the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have been orphaned overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, entire communities have been devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as normal. It isn’t.”
Read Also: Pressure Mounts To Rescue Borno Pupils As Oriire Terrorists’ Wives Risk Prosecution
Obi stressed that the primary duty of government was the protection of lives and property.
The first responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property. All lives matter in Nigeria and every life lost is one too many. These are not just numbers; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.”
He called for a move beyond routine condemnations to decisive action, urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response capabilities and ensure perpetrators face justice.
“It’s time to move beyond routine condemnations after each attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive and not reactive, intelligence-driven, rapid response and accountable. The perpetrators of these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. “The culture of impunity must end.”
Obi also condoled the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states and wished the injured speedy recovery.
This isn’t politics. This is humanity. We must muster the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. “No country can develop where its citizens live in fear and no society can prosper where innocent blood continues to flow unabated.”
The recent attacks have reignited worries about insecurity in parts of Benue and Plateau states, with rising demands for more robust safety measures to put an end to the recurring violence and safeguard vulnerable communities.