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.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, 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.
The weekend attacks also claimed two additional lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, bringing the death toll from the Benue attacks to at least 18.
Expressing concern over the persistent violence, Obi said the killings reflected a worsening security crisis that had left many communities living in fear.
“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 protecting lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of government.
“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.”
He called for a shift from routine condemnations to decisive action, urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response capabilities and ensure perpetrators face justice.
“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 also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
“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.”
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue and Plateau states, with growing calls for stronger security measures to halt recurring violence and protect vulnerable communities.
(The Sun)
