The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said the tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing.
In a statement on Monday, he said the reported murder of at least 16 innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.
“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,” he said.
Obi reminded the public that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, emphasising that 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.
“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.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States.
