The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor reacted to the killing of at least 16 people 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.
Obi called on the Federal Government to adopt a proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy to halt the recurring violence across the country.
The attacks, which occurred over the weekend, also claimed two additional lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday, raising the death toll in Benue State to at least 18.
In Plateau State, community sources identified the victims as members of one family who were killed on Saturday night when gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.
Reacting to the incidents, Obi said the killings underscored the persistent insecurity confronting many parts of Nigeria.
“The reported murders are a painful reminder that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” he said.
He added, “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 maintained that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government, stressing that every Nigerian life is invaluable.
“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 said.
The former governor urged authorities to move beyond issuing routine condemnations after violent attacks and instead establish a security framework built on intelligence gathering, 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,” Obi stated.
He also expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those mourning and speedy recovery for the injured.
“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,” he added.
