Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has paid a condolence visit to victims and families affected by the recent wave of killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Obi, who travelled from Abuja to Jos on Sunday, April 13, described the deadly attacks as “senseless killings” and lamented the growing insecurity in a country that is not officially at war.
“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,” he said.
In a post shared on his official X account on Monday, Obi stated that the purpose of his visit was to express solidarity with the people of Plateau State and to sympathise with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the bereaved families.
During the visit to Bokkos, he met with internally displaced persons, including women and children who are now taking shelter in makeshift camps following the attacks.
As part of his humanitarian support, Obi announced a donation of ₦7.5 million to aid the education of displaced children and provide for other pressing needs.
He stated, “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 further said, “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 prayers for those who lost their lives and encouragement to the survivors. “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the people find strength, comfort, and unity as they rebuild their lives,” he added.
Obi’s visit came just hours before another deadly assault struck Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Monday, claiming at least 40 lives.
A local leader, Wakili Tongwe, who spoke to Channels Television, recounted the horror of the incident, explaining that the attackers opened fire on fleeing residents. “Thirty-six people died on the spot, while four others later died from their injuries,” he said.
Many others were reportedly wounded and are receiving treatment in hospitals. As of the time of this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
Reacting to the recurring bloodshed, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as acts of genocide allegedly 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,” the governor said during an interview on Channels Television.
The Christian Association of Nigeria also weighed in on the disturbing events. In a statement released on Sunday, the association’s president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the killings as “barbaric” and warned that the increasing violence could destabilise the entire country.
“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,” he said.
