‘Every Nigerian Life Is Sacred’ – Peter Obi Urges Tinubu to Act After Benue, Plateau Attacks

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity following fresh attacks in Benue and Plateau states.

In a statement shared on his official social media page on July 13, 2026, Obi said the recurring violence in parts of the country demands urgent and decisive action from authorities.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government.

Obi reacts to deaths in Benue and Plateau

Obi’s remarks followed reports of separate attacks that claimed at least 16 lives in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He described the incidents as heartbreaking, noting that many families across affected communities continue to suffer from violence, displacement and the loss of their means of livelihood.

According to him, the repeated attacks should never become accepted as a normal part of national life.

Calls for intelligence-driven security strategy

Obi urged the Federal Government to adopt a more proactive security approach built on effective intelligence gathering, rapid response and accountability.

He said security agencies should identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks to end what he described as a culture of impunity.

The NDC presidential candidate added that Nigerians deserve a security system capable of preventing attacks rather than responding only after lives have been lost.

Condolences to affected families

Obi also expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost loved ones in the attacks.

He extended his condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, expressing hope that the affected communities would recover from the tragedies.