Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited victims and families affected by recent killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Obi, who travelled from Abuja to Jos on Sunday, April 13, described the attacks as “senseless killings” and said it was painful that such violence could happen in a country that is not at war.
He said, “What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable. Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live, should have to live in fear or uncertainty.”
Obi shared details of his visit in a post on his official X account on Monday. He said he went to show support to the people of Plateau and to sympathise with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the affected families.
During his visit to Bokkos, Obi met with displaced persons, including women and children who are now staying in camps.
He also announced a donation of ₦7.5 million to support education for displaced children and other basic needs.
He said, “Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community. We continued the support yesterday with the sum of ₦7.5 million to help in providing facilities for the displaced children, continuous education, and ongoing needs of those affected.”
Obi added, “My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities during this difficult time. Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential.”
He offered his condolences to those who lost loved ones, saying, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the people find strength, comfort, and unity as they rebuild their lives.”
Yesterday, I travelled from Abuja to Jos, Plateau State, to condole with and show solidarity with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State over the recent senseless killings in the Bokkos area of the State.
From the state capital, I traveled to Bokkos and spent… pic.twitter.com/Ks36AEvQT5
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) April 14, 2025
His visit came just before another deadly attack in Zike community, Bassa LGA, where at least 40 people were killed in the early hours of Monday.
A local leader, Wakili Tongwe, told Channels Television that the attackers shot at residents who were trying to run away. He said 36 people died on the spot, while four others later died from their injuries.
Many others are still in the hospital, and security officials have not yet given an official statement on the incident.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, blamed the attacks on what he described as “genocide sponsored by terrorists.”
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide. The question is, who are the people behind these attacks? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel,” he said on Channels Television.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also reacted to the killings. In a statement on Sunday, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, described the attacks as “barbaric” and warned that continued violence could tear the country apart.
He said, “This level of violence is a serious threat to our national unity. We call on the government to act swiftly to protect lives and restore peace to Plateau and other affected areas.”
The Federal Government has promised to take strong action and “flush out” the attackers. However, many Nigerians are still waiting for real change and better protection from the ongoing violence in the region.
