‘Not The Nigeria We Deserve,’ Obi Demands End To Killings

“The bloodshed is staggering, yet the response remains weak and muted. Each life lost is a tragedy that must not be ignored,” he said.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent surge in killings across parts of northern Nigeria, describing the bloodshed as a national tragedy, a “failure of leadership” undeserving for Nigerians.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor expressed heartbreak over the persistent bloodshed in Taraba, Benue, and Kogi states, calling for urgent action to end the bloodletting.

Families of slain Plateau residents weep after marauders killed their loved ones in overnight attacks

Obi said, “The news of the continued senseless killings that have gripped parts of Taraba, Benue, and Kogi States in recent times is heartbreaking. Nigeria cannot continue like this.

“This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity. A new Nigeria is possible. What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership and a gaping wound in the soul of our nation.

“I mourn with the good people of Taraba, Benue, and Kogi. I share their grief, and I feel their pain. But I also raise my voice because silence in the face of such horror is complicity. We need urgent action, not rhetoric. We need justice, not excuses.”

Some of the burnt houses in the fresh Benue attack on April 15, 2025

The politician further decried the destruction of lives and communities, especially the killing of vulnerable persons including children, women, and men of faith, describing the situation as a prolonged crisis that “shows no sign of abating.”

“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.

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

Photo from the scene of recent attack in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Obi reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property is the primary duty of any national government, warning that the continued failure to address this crisis poses serious questions about the future of Nigeria.

“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?”

In Benue State, at least 42 people were killed over the weekend in coordinated attacks on Tyolaha, Tse-Ubiam, Ahume, and Aondona villages.

Victims included women, children, and a critically injured Catholic priest. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks as a “heinous act” and a reminder of the state’s fragile security.

In Kogi State, tension escalated in Okoloke community, in the Yagba West Local Government Area as gunmen suspected to be bandits killed three individuals on Saturday while maintaining a tight grip on their abducted victim, a traditional ruler. They reportedly demanded a N12 million ransom to release the monarch.

In Taraba State, renewed clashes in between Bandawa and Fulani communities led to at least 40 deaths in Munga Lelau, Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses reported that attackers on motorcycles opened fire and set houses ablaze. Victims were buried in mass graves, and residents expressed concerns about alleged complicity by security forces.

Newzcruise

Newzcruise

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Trending

“I Am a Free Spirit with a Pure Heart” – Angela Okorie Opens Up on Misconceptions About Her Personality

Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has addressed some lingering misconceptions about her character, revealing a more personal side of herself in a heartfelt Instagram post. The actress, known for her outspokenness and bold persona, described herself as a “free spirit with a pure heart”, stating that she bears no grudges and forgives easily. She emphasized the […]

Read More
Trending

Adeniyi Johnson openly tenders an apology to those he hurt and wronged

With the rate of deaths in Nollywood, actor Adeniyi Johnson is having a change of heart and is apologising to his colleagues, friends, and others. In an Instagram post, he said that today, henceforth, he chooses peace and apologises to those he has hurt and wronged. He noted that no matter how old one is […]

Read More
Trending

Democracy Day: Senator Alli reaffirms democratic values, Congratulates President Tinubu

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC–Oyo South) has joined millions of Nigerians to commemorate Democracy Day, reaffirming his commitment to good governance, accountability and inclusive leadership for national development. This is contained in a statement signed by his media office and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan. Senator Alli said that June 12 symbolises the […]

Read More