Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Taraba, Benue, and Kogi states.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi described the ongoing violence in the three states as “a gaping wound in the soul of our nation.” He said the attacks, which have claimed the lives of children, women, and even religious leaders, were both painful and alarming.
“What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership and a gaping wound in the soul of our nation,” Obi stated.
He blamed the government for what he described as a slow and weak response to the bloodshed and displacement of families in the affected areas.
“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.
Obi urged Nigerians not to become indifferent to the rising number of victims. He stressed that behind every statistic was a human life.
“These are not mere statistics, they are our fellow Nigerians. Each life lost is a tragedy that must not be ignored,” he added.
He said it was the government’s main duty to protect lives and property, and warned that failure to do so raises serious concerns about the country’s future.
“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.
Obi expressed his sympathy to those affected and said the silence from authorities could be seen as support for the violence.
“We need urgent action, not rhetoric. We need justice, not excuses. We as leaders must value human life and defend it with everything we have,” he said.
He ended by calling for peace and justice to be restored in Taraba, Benue, and Kogi states.
“Nigeria cannot continue like this. This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity,” Obi said.
Benue has experienced a series of deadly attacks in recent days, particularly in Gwer West Local Government Area. Between Saturday and Sunday, coordinated assaults on the communities of Aondona, Ahume, Tyolaha, and Tse Ubiam resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, including a mobile police officer.
Many residents have fled to nearby towns for safety. Local officials have described the situation as genocidal, with ongoing recovery of bodies and widespread displacement.
Earlier in April 2025, another wave of violence in Benue, particularly in Ukum and Logo LGAs, left at least 56 people dead.
In Taraba, over 30 residents were killed and many others injured following an attack by suspected herders on Munga Lalau and Munga Doso communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The assailants, reportedly over 50 in number, invaded the villages around 2 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and setting buildings ablaze.
The violence was triggered by mutual suspicion between farmers and herders over missing cattle, leading to attacks and counterattacks.
Victims were given mass burials, and residents expressed shock and heartbreak, noting that the communities had previously lived peacefully with the Fulani tribe
