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 tragic and unacceptable.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the continued violence, urging the Federal Government to adopt a proactive, intelligence-led security strategy to tackle insecurity across the country.
Obi was reacting to the killing of at least 18 people in Benue State, including victims from Otukpo-Nobi community and Akpachi village in Otukpo Local Government Area. He also lamented the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, during attacks on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He described the incidents as another painful reminder of the prolonged violence affecting many communities in Nigeria.
According to Obi, residents of Benue, Plateau and several other parts of the country have endured years of fear, displacement and repeated attacks, with families losing loved ones and many farmers forced to abandon their livelihoods.
“We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate stressed that protecting lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government, noting that every Nigerian life is valuable.
He said those killed were not mere statistics but individuals whose lives, dreams and contributions to society had been cut short by violence.
Obi also urged authorities to move beyond issuing routine condemnations after attacks and instead establish a security system capable of preventing future incidents through intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity must come to an end.
The former governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those grieving and speedy recovery for the injured.
Obi added that the security challenge should not be viewed through a political lens but as a humanitarian crisis, warning that no nation can achieve meaningful development while its citizens continue to live in fear.
