Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, has condemned the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, asserting that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while innocent citizens continue to lose their lives to violence.
Obi made these remarks in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, following reports of fresh attacks in parts of Benue and Plateau states that left several people dead. The former Anambra State governor described the killings as painful and deeply disturbing, citing the murder of at least 16 individuals in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and the tragic killing of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to him, these incidents serve as a grim reminder of the persistent insecurity that continues to plague communities in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of 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 stated.
He lamented the loss of loved ones experienced by many families, noting that farmers have been forced to abandon their farmlands and entire communities have been uprooted due to repeated attacks.
“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 emphasised.
Obi further asserted that “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. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners, and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.”
He called for a shift away from routine condemnations after every attack, insisting that 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,” he urged.
Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those who lost loved ones and 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 concluded.
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