The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as tragic and unacceptable.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, said the unending violence in the two states was deeply worrisome and called for urgent measures to halt the bloodshed and protect innocent Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor lamented the reported killing of at least 16 persons in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, as well as the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to him, the incidents once again highlighted the persistent cycle of violence that has continued to claim innocent lives and devastate communities across the country.
“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 said.
He stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, noting that 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,” he said.
Obi called for a shift from routine condemnations to a proactive security architecture driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability.
“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 added.
The NDC presidential candidate extended his condolences to the bereaved families as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those mourning, healing for the injured and strength for communities striving to rebuild after the repeated attacks.
He maintained that tackling insecurity should not be viewed through the prism of politics, insisting that no nation can achieve meaningful development while its citizens continue to live in fear.
“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 said.
