The former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid a visit to victims and families impacted by the recent wave of killings in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, the 63-year-old expressed deep sorrow over what he described as “senseless killings,” condemning the violence as unacceptable in a nation not officially at war.

“Yesterday, I travelled from Abuja to Jos, Plateau State, to condole with and show solidarity with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State over the recent senseless killings in the Bokkos area of the state,” he wrote.

The former Anambra governor’s visit included a trip to Bokkos, where he met with displaced persons, children, and survivors of the attacks.

Obi lamented the scale of the destruction and called for urgent action to protect innocent lives.

“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,” the former governor said.

Offering his condolences, the businessman added, “My deepest condolences go to the families and communities who have suffered tragic losses. No words can truly capture the pain and devastation that such senseless violence brings”.

Obi’s Donation

During the visit, he announced a donation of ₦7.5 million to support displaced children, education continuity, and other pressing needs within the community. He noted that this contribution builds upon previous efforts by his supporters.

“Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community, and 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,” he said.

“My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities during this difficult time,” he added.

Calling for decisive leadership in the face of national grief, Obi stressed, “Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential. I stand in solidarity with Plateau State and remain committed to supporting all efforts toward peace, justice, and healing.

“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the people find strength, comfort, and unity as they rebuild their lives.”

Renewed Violence

The Labour Party (LP) flagbearer, Peter Obi, visited victims and families affected by the ongoing violence in Plateau State, coinciding with reports of a fresh attack that claimed the lives of over 40 individuals in the early hours of Monday. The assault occurred in Zike community, Kimakpa, within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area.

According to Wakili Tongwe, a local community leader, the attackers invaded the village, firing indiscriminately at residents attempting to flee. Although local vigilantes and security personnel managed to repel the assailants, significant harm had already been inflicted. Thirty-six people were confirmed dead at the scene, with four more succumbing to their injuries later.

Several injured residents are currently receiving medical care in local hospitals. However, security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

This attack follows a recent massacre less than two weeks ago in Bokkos Local Government Area, where over 50 lives were lost. Plateau State has become a flashpoint for violent clashes, with experts attributing much of the unrest to resource-based disputes between farmers and herders.

The state’s history of violence is grim. In December 2023, approximately 200 people were killed in a series of Christmas attacks, and another 40 lives were lost in May 2024 during violence in Wase.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the killings, suggesting that the motives behind these attacks may go beyond resource-driven conflicts.

“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists. The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel,” Mutfwang said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

In the wake of the assaults on the North-Central state, the Federal Government vowed to take decisive action against the perpetrators, with recent statements promising to “flush out” the assailants.

Also condemning the violence, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the killings as “barbaric” and “a grave affront to human dignity.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President Daniel Okoh expressed sorrow over the attacks in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, warning that such “senseless bloodshed threatens Nigeria’s unity”.

“This level of violence is a serious threat to our national cohesion. We call on the government to act swiftly to protect lives and restore peace to Plateau and other affected regions,” Okoh said.