Images: Obi Consoles Survivors of Benue Assault, Calls on Federal Government to Take Action

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress 2027 presidential candidate, has urged the Federal Government to step up its efforts to safeguard lives and property in the wake of recent attacks in Benue State.

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Obi's call to action came after he visited the communities of Otukpo-Nobi and Efeyi-Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area, where a series of attacks had resulted in numerous fatalities, missing persons, and injuries.

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In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, Obi revealed that his visit to Otukpo-Nobi had shown that over 10 people had either been killed or gone missing, while several others were being treated in hospital for their injuries.

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He also disclosed that during his visit to Efeyi-Ugboju, he was informed that over 13 people had been killed and several others injured in the attacks.

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Additionally, Obi was told that 14 people had been kidnapped along Ankpechi Road earlier that morning, further highlighting the precarious security situation in the area.

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Obi joined the community in paying his respects to the victims at the site of their mass burial, and also visited the hospital to offer his support and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.

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Following his visit, Obi stressed that the Federal Government needed to demonstrate a greater commitment to protecting the lives and property of its citizens, as well as addressing the issue of ungoverned spaces that had become breeding grounds for insecurity.

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According to Obi, it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure the security and welfare of their citizens, and when they fail to do so, they must be reminded of this sacred obligation.

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The former Anambra State governor emphasized that the government's failure to protect its citizens, as seen in the cases of Otukpo-Nobi, Efeyi-Ugboju, and other troubled communities, was a clear dereliction of duty.

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On Thursday night, gunmen had abducted 14 passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini LGA, with the police later confirming that five victims, including a four-year-old boy, had been rescued, while nine remained in captivity as of Friday.

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In early July, at least 16 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders in Nobi, while later that month, suspected armed herders invaded Efeyi community and killed 15 people.

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PUNCH Metro reported that the suspects had stormed the community around 5am, shooting sporadically, and Obi prayed for the repose of those killed, urging the government to take stronger measures to protect affected communities.

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Obi ended his statement by praying for the souls of the departed to continue resting in perfect peace.