Peter Obi Condemns Benue, Plateau Killings, Urges Stronger Security Measures

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as “heartless” and calling for urgent action to end the country’s persistent insecurity.

Obi made the remarks on Monday in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing concern over the continued violence in parts of the country and urging authorities to adopt more proactive security measures.

According to him, the reported 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, underscores the worsening security situation.

He said the repeated attacks have left families shattered, displaced thousands of residents, and forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

“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,” Obi said.

He stressed that the continued bloodshed should never be accepted as normal, noting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.

Obi described every Nigerian life as valuable, saying the victims were not mere statistics but fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners, and future leaders whose lives were cut short by violence.

He called on the government to move beyond routine condemnations after attacks and implement a security strategy that prevents violence rather than merely responding to it after lives have been lost.

“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive,” he stated.

The former presidential candidate also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those mourning, healing for the injured, and strength for affected communities.

Obi maintained that addressing insecurity should transcend political considerations, insisting that lasting peace is essential for national development.

“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.