LEADERSHIP FAILURE: Peter Obi Slams Government Over Benue Mass Killings, Demands Action and Accountability

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent mass killings in Benue State, describing the gruesome attacks as a direct consequence of leadership failure in Nigeria. In a statement posted on X, Obi lamented the continued inability of governments at all levels to perform their primary duty of securing lives and property, saying each loss of life is a deep wound to the nation.

According to Obi, the scale of the killings goes beyond isolated violence and reflects systemic governance failure. Over 200 lives have reportedly been extinguished in a single onslaught, with homes burnt, families shattered, and communities left in ruin. Obi emphasized that every life lost is a Nigerian life, each one precious and irreplaceable, and that the normalization of mass killings is intolerable.

The former Anambra State governor called for an urgent national response, warning against the growing normalization of mass killings in the country. He urged authorities to move beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete, decisive steps to protect vulnerable communities. "Let your actions speak louder than visits or statements," Obi said, adding that a safe and secure Benue is not too much to ask, but rather a moral and national duty.

Obi's statement comes against the backdrop of criticism over President Bola Tinubu's response to the crisis. Notably, Tinubu has not released a statement about the killings in Benue State, despite speaking out on international issues, such as the conflict between Israel and Iran. Obi's comments highlight the perceived disconnect between the government's response to domestic and international issues.

The Benue killings have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for immediate action to address the root causes of the violence. Obi's statement echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who are demanding greater accountability and action from their leaders to protect human life and property.

In his words, "This is not the Nigeria we deserve, nor the Nigeria we aspire to. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity." Obi's statement serves as a reminder of the need for effective leadership and collective action to address the security challenges facing the nation ¹.