By Chimezie Godfrey
Frontline opposition leader and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday and made available by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said the continued bloodshed in parts of the country called for urgent and decisive action by the government.
According to the former Anambra State governor, “the tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing.”
He noted that the reported killing of at least 16 persons in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, underscored the worsening security situation in the country.
”The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” Obi said.
He lamented that families across Benue, Plateau and other affected communities had continued to live in fear due to repeated attacks.
”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.”
Obi stressed that government must prioritise the protection of lives and property.
”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.”
Calling for a shift from reactive responses to preventive measures, he said:
”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.”
Obi extended condolences to the victims’ families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states.
”I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States. I pray that God grants comfort to all who mourn, healing to the injured, and strength to every community struggling to rebuild after these repeated tragedies.”
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.”
Obi decries fresh Benue, Plateau killings, seeks proactive security measures
