The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, warning that Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress while innocent lives continue to be lost to violence.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his X account on Monday following reports of fresh attacks that claimed several lives in both states.
Reacting to the incidents, the former Anambra State governor described the attacks as heartbreaking and deeply troubling. He referred to reports of the killing of at least 16 people 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 Obi, the attacks once again highlight the persistent insecurity that has continued to affect communities across Benue, Plateau and many other parts of Nigeria.
In the statement obtained by Zoyols News, he said families in the affected communities have spent years living with fear, violence and displacement, while countless lives have been destroyed by repeated attacks.
He lamented that many parents have buried their children, children have been left orphaned, farmers have deserted their farmlands and entire communities have been forced to flee their homes. He stressed that Nigerians must not accept such tragedies as a normal part of life.
Obi said every Nigerian life is precious and that each life lost represents more than a number, describing the victims as fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose hopes were cut short by violence.
He maintained that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the primary responsibility of any government, insisting that the country must move beyond issuing routine condemnations after every attack.
According to him, Nigerians deserve a security system that focuses on intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability rather than reacting only after lives have already been lost. He also called for those responsible for the attacks to be identified, arrested and prosecuted, insisting that the culture of impunity must come to an end.
Obi extended his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states. He prayed for comfort for those mourning the loss of their loved ones and strength for communities affected by the violence.
He added that the issue goes beyond politics, describing it as a matter of humanity. Obi said Nigeria cannot achieve lasting development while its citizens continue to live in fear, stressing that no nation can truly prosper when innocent blood continues to be shed without restraint.
