Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of violence in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where several families were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks.
Obi, in a statement released on Friday via his official X account, described the killings as “senseless” and called for decisive government intervention to curb the rising insecurity across the nation.
“I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have again been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared,” Obi stated.
The attacks, which targeted five communities—Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai—left numerous victims, some of whom, according to Obi, were buried in mass graves.
Expressing concern over the growing normalcy of violence in Nigeria, the former Anambra State governor questioned why killings, kidnappings, and other criminal activities continue unabated.
“How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming, and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government acts for the people?” he asked.
He highlighted the broader security crisis affecting communities across various states, including Benue, Enugu, Ondo, and Anambra.
“Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection,” he stated. “We must end this grief and terror, as this is becoming extremely unacceptable.”
Calling on authorities to take immediate and firm action, Obi urged security agencies to prevent further bloodshed and ensure justice for the victims.
“The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve,” he added.
Offering his condolences to the victims and their families, Obi reaffirmed his stance that no Nigerian should live in fear. “My heart goes to the people of Bokkos and others in various communities. No Nigerian should live in fear as the government must do what it takes to protect Nigerians,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, local sources confirmed that at least five people lost their lives in the attacks, while 18 others sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment.
According to the Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Mr. Kefas Mallai, the violence erupted around 9 a.m. on Wednesday when gunmen stormed Tamiso village.
He reported that the attackers fired indiscriminately, causing chaos, especially as women were gathered for a Christian fellowship meeting at a Church of Christ in Nations church.
