Peter Obi urges end to killings in Benue, Kogi and Taraba

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called on the government to take a stance in the killings happening across Benue, Kogi and Taraba States while describing the situation as a “gaping wound in the soul of our nation.”

In a statement on Wednesday via X (formerly, Twitter), Obi decried what he described as the “senseless killings” that has taken a hold of communities in the three states in recent months. Killings that have claimed lives of children, women, as well as religious leaders.

“What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership and a gaping wound in the soul of our nation,” he wrote.

Obi further criticised the government’s failure to respond actively to the crisis, stating that the bloodshed has continued largely unchecked while the affected communities are left to suffer in silence.

“The bloodshed is staggering, yet the response remains weak and muted. As homes are destroyed and communities torn apart, we risk normalising the unacceptable: mass killings, displacement, and the collapse of law and order,” he said.

He also stressed that the nation must not lose its sense of humanity by acting indifferent to the plight of the victims.

“These are not mere statistics; they are our fellow Nigerians. Each life lost is a tragedy that must not be ignored,” he added.

Obi, however, warned that repeated failure in regards to protection of lives and property raises serious questions about the direction the country is headed.

According to him the protection of live and property is the primary responsibility saddled upon the national government.

“When this duty is repeatedly ignored, when innocent citizens are butchered and nothing changes, we must ask ourselves: What kind of nation are we building? What future are we promising our children?” he asked.

The former governor expressed his solidarity with the people of Benue, Kogi and Taraba state, stating that he shares in the grief and pain but concluded that the silence shows a sign of conformity to the plight of the states.

“We need urgent action, not rhetoric. We need justice, not excuses. We as leaders must value human life and will defend it with everything we have,” he said.

The former presidential candidate concluded by calling for peace and justice to be restored in the affected areas.

“Nigeria cannot continue like this. This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity,” he added.