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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

PHOTOS: Obi Visits Benue Attack Victims, Urges FG to Act

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Peter Obi, a Nigerian presidential candidate, visited communities in Benue State recently attacked by gunmen.
  • He reported that over 20 people were killed and 14 passengers were kidnapped in separate incidents.
  • Obi urged the Federal Government to increase efforts to protect citizens' lives and property, emphasizing security as a government's primary duty.

Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian politician and 2027 presidential hopeful, has directly appealed to the Federal Government to bolster security measures following recent deadly attacks in Benue State. His call came after visiting the Otukpo-Nobi and Efeyi-Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, which have been devastated by violence.

Having visited, seen, and spoken with those affected, I urge the Federal Government to demonstrate a greater commitment to securing the lives and property of citizens and to closing the ungoverned spaces that have become breeding grounds for insecurity.

— Peter ObiPeter Obi's statement on X after visiting attacked communities in Benue State.

During his visit, Obi stated that over 10 people were killed or went missing in Otukpo-Nobi, with many others injured. He also reported that more than 13 people died and several were wounded in Efeyi-Ugboju. Compounding the tragedy, he learned that 14 passengers were abducted along Ankpechi Road on the same day.

Obi participated in a mass burial for some victims and offered condolences to those hospitalized. "Having visited, seen, and spoken with those affected, I urge the Federal Government to demonstrate a greater commitment to securing the lives and property of citizens and to closing the ungoverned spaces that have become breeding grounds for insecurity," Obi declared. He stressed that governments must fulfill their fundamental obligation to protect citizens, a responsibility he believes has been neglected in these communities.

The primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of its citizens. When government fails in this responsibility, as it has with the people of Otukpo-Nobi, Efeyi-Ugboju, and other troubled communities, it must be reminded of that sacred obligation.

— Peter ObiPeter Obi emphasizing the government's core duty after witnessing the aftermath of attacks.

The attacks have had a significant impact, with reports of at least 16 people killed in Nobi in early July and 15 in Efeyi later that month. The recent abduction of 14 passengers, though five were later rescued, highlights the ongoing insecurity. Obi concluded his visit by praying for the victims and reiterating his plea for stronger government action to safeguard affected areas.

May the souls of the departed continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

— Peter ObiPeter Obi's prayer for the victims of the attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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