Otukpo Killings: Tinubu must end Nigeria’s descent into ‘Republic of Bloodshed’ — Agada

A Nigerian presidential hopeful has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently overhaul the nation's security apparatus, citing recent killings in Benue State as evidence of a "descent into Republic of Bloodshed."

Arc. Peter Agada, a 2027 presidential hopeful and Global Convener of The Movement Nigeria (TMN), stated in Abuja that the federal government's response to insecurity has been limited to condolences and promises, rather than decisive action against armed groups. He urged Tinubu to transform the security system into a "digital-age security machine" capable of identifying and prosecuting violent crime perpetrators nationwide.

Agada claimed that TMN's independent assessment of the July 12, 2026, killings in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State indicated a higher casualty figure than the government's reported 18 deaths, asserting that more than 50 people were killed. He added that numerous residents were displaced and families lost loved ones.

TMN verified its figures through government sources, eyewitness accounts, first responders, and local partners. Agada also referenced the organization's previous research, which documented thousands of deaths from various forms of violence between 2016 and 2021. He emphasized that the North Central and Middle Belt regions are particularly affected by recurring attacks, stressing the need for urgent measures and political will to end the cycle of violence and ensure justice for the Otukpo killings. "Nigeria has enough resources to fund security. What is lacking is political will, sincerity and transparency," Agada said, commiserating with affected families and urging the government to protect citizens and restore confidence in the security system.

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Nigeria has enough resources to fund security. What is lacking is political will, sincerity and transparency.