Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a powerful call to action over the escalating violence and bloodshed in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly in Benue, Kogi, and Taraba States. In a statement posted via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Obi decried the relentless killings that have plagued the region, warning that continued silence and inaction would amount to complicity in the national tragedy.
Obi described the violence as a “gaping wound in the soul of our nation,” stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to normalize the loss of innocent lives. His remarks come amid widespread reports of deadly attacks in these states, often attributed to bandits, communal clashes, and suspected armed herdsmen. Entire communities have been razed, families displaced, and hundreds killed over the past months with little effective government response.
“What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership… These are not mere statistics, they are our fellow Nigerians. Each life lost is a tragedy that must not be ignored,” Obi stated.
According to Obi, the killings have claimed victims across all demographics, including children, women, and clergy. He criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the security situation, accusing leaders of offering “rhetoric instead of action” and urged them to speak out boldly against the atrocities.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that the Nigerian government’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, a duty he says has been grossly neglected.
“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?”
Obi’s intervention has sparked national conversation, with civil society groups, humanitarian organisations, and community leaders echoing his concerns. In Benue State alone, recent weeks have witnessed over 70 reported killings across Apa, Ukum, and Guma local government areas. Similarly, parts of Taraba and Kogi have been hit by serial attacks, displacing thousands of residents.
Security analysts have repeatedly highlighted the need for intelligence-driven operations, stronger community policing, and strategic collaboration between federal and state agencies. Yet, many of these recommendations remain unimplemented.
Reacting to Obi’s comments, the Benue Youth Forum, in a statement released Wednesday afternoon, applauded his courage and urged other national figures to join the call for justice and security reforms.
Meanwhile, survivors of the attacks in Ukum and Donga LGAs of Taraba have continued to appeal for humanitarian assistance, citing food shortages, medical needs, and lack of shelter.
Obi concluded his message by reaffirming his commitment to a more humane and secure Nigeria:
“Nigeria cannot continue like this. This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity. A new Nigeria is POssible.”