By Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the continued wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the persistent violence as a national tragedy that demands an urgent and strategic response from the Federal Government.
Reacting to the latest attacks that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced many residents, Obi expressed deep concern over what he described as the recurring failure to protect innocent Nigerians. He stressed that the country’s worsening security crisis requires more than reactive military deployments, calling instead for a proactive, intelligence-driven security architecture capable of preventing attacks before they occur.
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi said the repeated bloodshed in communities across the two North-Central states had become unacceptable, adding that every Nigerian deserves to live without fear of violence.
According to him, “The recurring killings in Benue and Plateau are deeply heartbreaking. The continued loss of innocent lives and destruction of communities is a painful reminder that much more must be done to secure our nation. Government must embrace proactive, intelligence-led security measures capable of preventing these attacks before they happen.”
The former Anambra State governor extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones, prayed for the injured, and sympathised with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes because of insecurity.
He also called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among military and law enforcement agencies, and ensure swift responses to credible security threats.
Security Beyond Military Response
Obi argued that while military operations remain important, lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone. He maintained that modern security challenges require comprehensive planning, accurate intelligence gathering, community engagement, surveillance technology, and rapid response systems.
According to him, security agencies should work more closely with local communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and state governments to identify potential threats before they escalate into deadly attacks.
He further noted that community-based intelligence has become one of the most effective tools for combating insecurity globally and should be strengthened across Nigeria.
“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of every government. We cannot continue to normalise recurring killings while communities live in constant fear,” Obi said.
Renewed Violence in North-Central Nigeria
Benue and Plateau have witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence over the years, with attacks often linked to farmer-herder conflicts, communal disputes, banditry, and criminal activities. Entire communities have been attacked, forcing thousands of people into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
In recent months, security agencies have intensified operations across several flashpoints in both states. However, despite these efforts, deadly attacks have continued, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of current security strategies.
Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that the insecurity has disrupted farming activities, worsened food insecurity, and increased the number of displaced persons in the region.
The violence has also affected education, healthcare delivery, and economic activities, leaving many communities struggling to recover from repeated attacks.
Calls for Security Reforms
Obi’s latest comments add to growing calls by political leaders, civil society organisations, religious bodies, and security experts for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security framework.
Analysts argue that intelligence gathering remains one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s security operations, making it difficult for security agencies to detect and prevent attacks before they occur.
Many experts have also advocated greater investment in surveillance technology, intelligence sharing, aerial reconnaissance, community policing, and improved welfare for security personnel.
According to security analysts, intelligence-led policing has proven effective in several countries by enabling authorities to identify criminal networks, intercept planned attacks, and dismantle armed groups before violence erupts.
Obi maintained that Nigeria must embrace similar strategies if it hopes to end the cycle of recurring violence.
Humanitarian Impact
Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the continued attacks have created severe humanitarian challenges across Benue and Plateau.
Thousands of families have reportedly abandoned their homes, while several communities have been destroyed during attacks.
Relief agencies continue to provide food, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support to displaced persons, but humanitarian needs remain overwhelming.
Children have been among the worst affected, with many unable to attend school because of displacement and insecurity.
Farmers have also been unable to access their farmlands in several affected communities, raising concerns about declining agricultural production and worsening food shortages.
Government Response
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that security operations are being strengthened across the country.
Military authorities have continued to deploy troops to troubled communities while other security agencies have intensified intelligence operations aimed at identifying perpetrators of attacks.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has previously directed security agencies to pursue those responsible for violent attacks and restore peace to affected communities.
State governments in Benue and Plateau have equally appealed for stronger federal support, increased deployment of security personnel, and improved intelligence capabilities.
Traditional rulers and community leaders have also continued to advocate dialogue, reconciliation, and stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
National Concern
The recurring violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region has continued to generate national and international concern.
Civil society organisations have urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted while victims receive adequate humanitarian assistance.
Several observers believe ending the crisis will require a combination of improved security operations, justice for victims, conflict resolution mechanisms, economic development, and greater community participation.
Obi insisted that the country must move beyond reacting after attacks occur and instead prioritise preventive measures capable of saving lives.
He emphasised that every life lost represents a national tragedy and called on leaders at every level to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting citizens.
“As a nation, we must place the sanctity of human life above every other consideration. No Nigerian should have to live under the constant threat of violence. Our security institutions must become more proactive, intelligence-driven, and accountable,” he said.
His remarks have resonated with many Nigerians who continue to demand stronger action against insecurity and a more effective strategy to restore lasting peace across the country.
As Benue and Plateau continue to mourn victims of the latest attacks, calls for urgent security reforms remain at the forefront of national discourse, with many hoping that coordinated intelligence, stronger community engagement, and decisive government action will help prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Sources:
- Peter Obi Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/PeterObi
- Reuters
- Channels Television
- Premium Times Nigeria
- Punch Newspapers
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Daily Trust
- Nigerian Tribune
