By Tekena Amieyeofori
Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 presidential election, has spoken out against the recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states. He said Nigeria will not make real progress as long as innocent people keep getting killed in violent assaults.
Obi shared his position on Monday in a statement on his X account, reacting to fresh reports of violence in parts of both states that claimed several lives.
The former Anambra governor deplored the incidents as painful and distressing. He highlighted the reported killing of at least 16 people in Otukpo-Nobi community in Benue, and the murder of nine relatives, including a two-month-old infant, in Riyom LGA of Plateau.
He said the attacks underscore the ongoing insecurity affecting Benue, Plateau and other regions across the country.
“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. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not,” Obi said.
He also lamented the heavy toll armed violence takes on affected communities, noting that families have lost relatives, farmers forced to flee their land, and communities left internally displaced.
“Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short,” he stated.
“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
“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.”
Obi sent condolences to the families of the victims, and to the state governments and residents of Benue and Plateau. He prayed for comfort for those mourning and for strength for the affected communities.
“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 said.