The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and a reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Obi expressed deep concern over what he described as the persistent cycle of violence in parts of the country, saying the continued bloodshed demands urgent and decisive action from the government.
The former Anambra State governor lamented the reported killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, as well as the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to him, communities in Benue, Plateau and several other parts of Nigeria have endured years of violence, displacement and insecurity, leaving families devastated and forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
Obi stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, insisting that every Nigerian life is valuable and that the country cannot continue to treat recurring attacks as normal occurrences.
He called for a shift from routine condemnation of attacks to a proactive security strategy anchored on intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability. He also urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings, saying the prevailing culture of impunity must come to an end.
The opposition leader extended his condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those who lost loved ones, healing for the injured and strength for affected communities to recover from the tragedies.
Obi maintained that addressing insecurity should transcend politics, stressing that it is a humanitarian imperative. He warned that no nation can achieve meaningful development when its citizens live in fear and innocent lives continue to be lost to violence.
He concluded by reiterating his campaign slogan, saying, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
The Unending Killings in Benue and Plateau- Worrisome.
The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing. The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 13, 2026
