Peter Obi visits Benue attack victims, urges FG to strengthen security

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property following recent attacks and kidnappings in parts of Benue State.

He expressed solidarity with the victims and calling on the Federal Government to take stronger action to protect lives and property.

The former Anambra State Governor made the call after visiting Otukpo-Nobi and Efeyi-Ugboju communities, where several residents were reportedly killed, injured or abducted by non-state actors.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, Obi said more than 10 people were either killed or declared missing following an attack on Otukpo-Nobi, while several others sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospitals.

He also visited Efeyi-Ogboju, another affected community be here more than 13 people were reportedly killed as several others injured.During the visit, Obi said he was informed that 14 people had also been kidnapped earlier that morning along Ankpechi Road.

Obi said he joined members of the affecting communities in praying for the souls of those killed at the site of their mass burial.

He also visited the injured victims in hospital, where he expressed sympathy with them and prayed for their recovery.

He urged the Federal Government to show greater commitment to securing citizens and closing ungoverned spaces that have become breeding grounds for insecurity, saying the primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and welfare of its people.

The NDC presidential candidate said his visit enabled him to interact directly with victims and residents affected by the attacks, stressing that the situation underscored the urgent need for stronger action against insecurity.

He argued that the protection of citizens remained a fundamental responsibility of government, warning that communities should not be left vulnerable to attacks by non-state actors.

Obi said government must be reminded of its responsibility whenever it failed to protect communities such as Otukpo-Nobi and Efeyi-Ugboju and other parts of the country facing persistent insecurity, and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and prayed for the peaceful response of the victims, and also wished those injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.

–9News Nigeria.