Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States, describing the attacks as painful reminders of the prolonged insecurity affecting communities across the country.
Obi, in a statement shared on X, on Friday, expressed concern over the reported deaths of at least 16 people in Otukpo-Nobi community, Benue State, and the killing 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 had left families devastated and created an atmosphere of fear, displacement and uncertainty among residents.
“The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing, ” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said years of attacks had forced many farmers to abandon their lands, while countless families had suffered the loss of loved ones.
“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, ” he added.
Obi stressed that protecting lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government, adding that every life lost represents a personal tragedy rather than just a statistic.
He called for a stronger security approach built around intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability, insisting that those responsible for violent attacks must be identified and prosecuted.
“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, ” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate extended condolences to the affected families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States, praying for comfort for the bereaved and recovery for the injured.
He maintained that addressing insecurity should rise above political differences.
“This is not about politics; it is about humanity.”
Obi warned that national development would remain difficult if citizens continue to live in fear, urging collective action to restore peace and security across the country.
