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Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Nigerian Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property following recent attacks in Benue State.
Obi made the call after visiting Otukpo-Nobi and Efeyi-Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday, where recent attacks reportedly left several people dead, missing and injured.
In a statement on his X (Twitter) handle on Saturday, Obi said more than 10 people were either killed or reported missing in Otukpo-Nobi, while several others sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospital.
Standing with the Victims of Insecurity in Benue
Yesterday, I travelled to Otukpo-Nobi in Benue State, one of the communities recently attacked by non-state actors, where over 10 persons were either killed or went missing. In contrast, several others were injured and are… pic.twitter.com/1mxw0e5Jwt
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 15, 2026
He said more than 13 people were also reportedly killed in Efeyi-Ugboju, with several others injured.
Obi added that he was informed during the visit that 14 people had been abducted along Ankpechi Road earlier in the day.
The presidential hopeful visited the site of a mass burial for victims in Otukpo-Nobi, where he joined residents in praying for those killed. He also visited injured victims in hospital and offered support to their families.
Obi said the attacks highlighted the need for stronger government action to secure vulnerable communities and address ungoverned spaces that have become breeding grounds for insecurity.
“I joined the community in praying for the repose of the souls of the departed at the site of the mass burial of the victims.
“We also visited the hospital to empathise with the injured, show our support, and pray for their quick recovery.
“Having visited, seen, and spoken with those affected, I urge the Federal Government to demonstrate a greater commitment to securing the lives and property of citizens and to closing the ungoverned spaces that have become breeding grounds for insecurity,” Obi said.
He argued that protecting citizens and ensuring their welfare remained the primary responsibility of government, adding that authorities must be held accountable when communities are left exposed to attacks.
“The primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of its citizens. When government fails in this responsibility, as it has with the people of Otukpo-Nobi, Efeyi-Ugboju, and other troubled communities, it must be reminded of that sacred obligation,” he said.
The visit came after the abduction of 14 passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on Thursday night.
The police later confirmed that five of the victims, including a four-year-old boy, had been rescued, while nine remained in captivity as of Friday.
Earlier in July, at least 16 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders in Nobi.
Later that month, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Efeyi community, killing 15 people. The attackers were said to have stormed the community around 5 a.m. and opened fire on residents.
Obi condemned the attacks and called for stronger measures to protect communities affected by the violence.
He also prayed for the victims, saying he hoped their souls would continue to rest in peace.
