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, in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, reacted to the killing of at least 16 persons in the 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.
The weekend attacks also claimed two more lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, bringing the Benue attacks’ death toll to at least 18.
He expressed concern over the continued violence, saying: “The killings are a reflection of a worsening security crisis that has left many communities living in fear.”
For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived in the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have been orphaned overnight, farmers have abandoned their fields, entire communities have been destroyed. We cannot go on like this accepting this tragic cycle as normal. It isn’t.”
Obi said the primary responsibility of government was the protection of lives and property.
Protection of lives and property is the first responsibility of any government. In Nigeria all lives matter and every life lost is one too many. “They are not just numbers. They are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.
He called for a step beyond routine condemnations to decisive action, urging authorities to bolster intelligence gathering, improve rapid response capabilities and ensure perpetrators face justice.
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“It’s time to move beyond the usual 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 tried. The culture of impunity must end.
Obi also commiserated with the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states and wished the injured speedy recovery.
“This is not about politics. This is about humanity. We must gather 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 where innocent blood continues to flow unabated.”
Worries over insecurity in parts of Benue and Plateau states have been reawakened by the recent attacks, with growing calls for stronger security measures to end the recurring violence and protect vulnerable communities.
