Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the continued wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the latest attacks as painful and unacceptable.
Obi, in a statement on Monday, lamented 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 a family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He said the recurring violence in the affected states highlights the persistent insecurity that has left many communities living in fear, forcing residents from their homes and destroying livelihoods.
According to him, families have continued to suffer devastating losses, with parents burying their children, children left orphaned, farmers abandoning their farmlands and entire communities displaced by repeated attacks.
Obi stressed that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the primary responsibility of government, insisting that every Nigerian life is valuable and that those killed should not be reduced to mere statistics.
He called on the authorities to move beyond routine condemnations after attacks and adopt a more proactive security strategy driven by intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability.
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The former Anambra State governor also urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the attacks, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity must come to an end.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those who lost loved ones, healing for the injured and strength for affected communities.
Obi maintained that the issue transcends politics, saying Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while citizens continue to live in fear, adding that lasting peace and security are essential to restoring hope across the country.
He concluded by reiterating his message that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”