Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, has condemned the horrific killings in Benue State, which have tragically affected women, children, soldiers, and displaced individuals.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Obi expressed that this tragedy has become all too common in “our national existence, and the situation in Benue now demands a national emergency.”
It is reported that more than 200 lives have been lost in a single attack, with homes destroyed, families shattered, and communities left in disarray.
“This is not just violence; it is a failure of leadership, a blot on our collective conscience. Every life lost is a Nigerian life, each one invaluable, each one irreplaceable,” said Obi.
“We cannot allow the normalisation of mass killings to continue. It is unacceptable. The foremost duty of any government, whether at the federal, state, or local level, is to protect lives and property. When this duty is repeatedly ignored, we must question: What sort of nation are we leaving behind for our children?
“To the people of Benue, I say: your suffering is our suffering. The blood of your loved ones cries out for justice. The survival of our people must be non-negotiable; it demands urgent, deliberate, and comprehensive action.”
He called on the appropriate authorities to move beyond mere symbolic gestures to take decisive measures regarding the situation, emphasising that their actions should speak louder than visits or statements.
Obi further urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting its citizens, which he regards as the primary duty of any government.
“A safe and secure Benue is not too much to ask; it is our moral obligation, our national responsibility. This is not the Nigeria we deserve, nor the Nigeria we aspire to. We must put a stop to this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity,” Obi asserted.”
