Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the federal government to bolster national security in response to a series of violent incidents in Benue and Plateau states. His statement, released on July 13, 2026, follows reports of 16 deaths in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State and the killing of nine family members, including an infant, in Plateau’s Riyom Local Government Area.
Obi emphasized that the persistent cycles of violence and displacement cannot be dismissed as routine. He highlighted that these casualties represent real lives and families, not just numbers. Describing the protection of citizens as a core government duty, he stated that the loss of even one Nigerian is unacceptable.
To combat this, Obi proposed a shift toward a proactive security strategy that emphasizes intelligence, swift intervention, and strict accountability. He specifically demanded that the perpetrators of these violent acts be held legally responsible to break the ongoing cycle of impunity. Finally, he offered his sympathies to the mourning families and the affected states while expressing support for their recovery.
