The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states, describing the killings as painful, disturbing and unacceptable.
Obi called on the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity, saying Nigerians should no longer accept the repeated loss of innocent lives as a normal part of daily life.
The former Anambra State governor made his position known in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday following fresh attacks that claimed at least 27 lives across the two states over the weekend.
The attacks occurred in Benue and Plateau, two states that have experienced repeated violence linked to armed attacks, communal conflicts and criminal activities in recent years.
In Benue State, at least 16 people were reportedly killed in an attack on the Otukpo-Nobi community.
The violence also claimed two more lives in Akpachi village, located in the Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, on Friday, bringing the total number of people killed in the Benue attacks to at least 18.
In neighbouring Plateau State, gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night.
Community sources said nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed during the attack.
The incidents have triggered fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where communities continue to face attacks despite ongoing military and security operations.
Reacting to the latest killings, Obi said the deaths were another painful reminder that violence has continued for far too long in many parts of the country.
According to him, communities in Benue, Plateau and other affected states have endured years of fear, displacement and loss without lasting solutions.
“For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement,” Obi said.
“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.”
The former presidential candidate stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the first responsibility of every government.
He said every Nigerian life is valuable and should be protected regardless of ethnic background, religion or place of residence.
“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,” he stated.
“These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.”
Obi argued that repeated statements of sympathy after every attack are no longer enough to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Instead, he urged the government to build a security system that prevents attacks before they happen rather than responding only after lives have already been lost.
“The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack,” he said.
“Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability.”
He also called on security agencies to identify those behind the attacks and ensure they face justice.
According to him, ending impunity is essential to restoring public confidence and discouraging future attacks.
“Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end,” Obi added.
The former governor extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the attacks and expressed sympathy to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states.
He also prayed for the recovery of those injured during the attacks and urged Nigerians to unite in support of affected communities.
“This is not about politics; it is about humanity,” Obi said.
“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.”
The latest attacks have once again drawn national attention to the security situation in Benue and Plateau states, where violent incidents have persisted despite efforts by the military, police and other security agencies.
Benue, often described as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has witnessed repeated attacks on farming communities, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of thousands of residents.
Similarly, Plateau State has experienced recurring violence involving armed groups, communal clashes and attacks on rural communities, especially in Riyom, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas.
The continued insecurity has affected farming activities, disrupted livelihoods and forced many families to seek refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that security agencies are working to end the violence through military operations, improved intelligence gathering and collaboration with state governments.
Troops have continued to conduct operations in troubled communities, while security agencies say investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for recent attacks.
However, many community leaders, civil society organisations and opposition figures have continued to call for stronger preventive measures, arguing that repeated attacks show the need for improved intelligence, faster deployment of security personnel and greater protection for vulnerable communities.
As Nigerians mourn the latest victims, the fresh killings have renewed calls for urgent action to restore peace in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country facing persistent insecurity.