Obi Condemns Benue, Plateau Killings, Demands End to Insecurity

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has decried the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, insisting that Nigeria cannot achieve growth while insecurity continues to claim innocent lives.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Obi reacted to reports of renewed attacks in both states that left several people dead.

He described the incidents as deeply disturbing, pointing to the reported killing of at least 16 residents in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and the death of nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the attacks reflect the enduring security challenges confronting communities across Benue, Plateau and other parts of 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 noted that repeated attacks have left many families grieving, displaced entire communities and forced farmers away from their means of livelihood.

“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 stated.

Obi urged the government to strengthen the country’s security system, emphasizing that responses to attacks should be preventive rather than merely reactive.

“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.

“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 expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, while calling on Nigerians to unite in restoring peace and security.

“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.

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