Obi condemns renewed killings in Benue, Plateau, calls for proactive security

Peter Obi, presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 polls, has strongly condemned the recent surge in killings in Nigeria's Benue and Plateau states. Obi described the renewed violence as "heartless" and "deeply disturbing," emphasizing that the "unending violence in the region is worrisome and deserves special attention."

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The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing. The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.

The former Anambra State governor cited specific incidents, including the reported murder of at least 16 innocent Nigerians in Benue's Otukpo-Nobi community and the killing of nine family members, including a two-month-old baby, in Plateau's Riyom Local Government Area. He lamented that these events underscore a "relentless cycle of bloodshed" that has plagued communities for years, forcing families to live "under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement."

Obi stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, asserting that "Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many." He criticized the current approach, stating, "The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack." Instead, he called for a "security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability." Obi insisted that those responsible for these "atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted," and that the "culture of impunity must end."

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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.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, Obi framed the issue as a matter of "humanity, not politics." He urged for a collective will to secure the nation and restore hope, concluding that "No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked."

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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.