“We must end the cycle of violence and hold perpetrators accountable” – Peter Obi condemns fresh killings in Benue, Plateau

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the country’s worsening security challenges.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, Mr Obi reacted to the killing of at least 18 people in Benue State and the murder of nine members of a family, including a two-month-old baby, in Plateau State.

The attacks in Benue occurred in Otukpo-Nobi community and Akpachi village in Otukpo Local Government Area, while the Plateau victims were killed in Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

Mr Obi said the continuous bloodshed across parts of Nigeria should never be accepted as a normal occurrence.

“The relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” he said.

According to him, families across Benue, Plateau and other violence-hit communities have endured years of fear, displacement and loss.

“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.”

Calls for proactive security

The former Anambra State governor stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government.

He noted that every Nigerian life is valuable and urged authorities to move beyond routine condemnations after attacks.

“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.”

Mr Obi called for a security system driven by intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability, insisting that those responsible for the attacks must be identified, arrested 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, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end.”

Condolences to victims

Mr Obi extended his condolences to the families of those killed, as well as the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states.

He also prayed for the recovery of those injured and urged Nigerians to unite in restoring peace and security across the country.

“This is not about politics; it is about humanity. 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.”