Amanze Chinonye
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states, describing the persistent killings as deeply disturbing and a stark reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, Prime Business Africa reports.
Obi was reacting to reports of the killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
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In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026 Obi said the repeated attacks underscored the urgent need for a more effective and proactive security strategy to safeguard lives and restore public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
He lamented that for years, residents of Benue, Plateau and several other communities across the country have endured relentless violence, displacement and loss, forcing many farmers to abandon their lands while leaving countless families devastated.
According to him, the continued bloodshed should never be accepted as a normal reality, stressing that every Nigerian life is sacred and that each death represents a profound national loss.
“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. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short,” Obi said.
He called on the government to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack and instead implement a security architecture driven by intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability.
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Obi also urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity must come to an end.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, the NDC presidential candidate prayed for comfort for those mourning, healing for the injured and strength for communities struggling to recover from the repeated violence.
He stressed that tackling the country’s security challenges should not be viewed through a political lens but as a humanitarian imperative requiring collective national resolve.
“No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked,” Obi said.
He maintained that restoring peace, protecting lives and ensuring justice for victims must remain a top national priority if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable development and rebuild public confidence in its security system.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
