Former Labour Party presidential candidate and current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, describing the killings as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
‎
‎In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
‎
‎The weekend attacks also claimed two additional lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, raising the death toll in the Benue incidents to no fewer than 18.
‎
‎In Plateau, community sources said the victims were members of a single family who were attacked on Saturday night when gunmen invaded Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom LGA.
‎
‎Reacting to the incidents, Obi said the continued bloodshed across parts of the country was a painful reminder of Nigeria’s lingering security crisis.
‎
‎He lamented that many communities in Benue, Plateau and other affected areas had endured years of violence, displacement and loss, stressing that the situation should never be treated as normal.
‎
‎According to him, countless families have been torn apart, children have been orphaned, farmers have abandoned their livelihoods and entire communities have been devastated by recurring attacks.
‎
‎Obi maintained that protecting lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government, noting that every Nigerian life is valuable and that each death represents the loss of a family member, breadwinner or future leader.
‎
‎He urged authorities to move beyond issuing routine condemnations after attacks and instead establish a proactive, intelligence-led security system capable of preventing violence before it occurs.
‎
‎The NDC presidential candidate also called for those behind the attacks to be identified, arrested and prosecuted, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity must end.
‎
‎Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states. He prayed for comfort for those who lost loved ones and speedy recovery for those injured.
‎
‎He added that the issue transcends politics, stressing that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development while citizens continue to live in fear and innocent lives are lost to unchecked violence.
‎