KEY POINTS

• Peter Obi visited Plateau State to offer condolences and financial support to victims of the recent Bokkos killings, donating ₦7.5 million to assist displaced persons.

• Obi condemned the ongoing violence in the region, calling it “senseless killings” and stressing the importance of protecting innocent lives and ensuring security for all Nigerians.

• Plateau State has been grappling with recurring violent attacks, with local leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria calling for urgent government action to address the security crisis and protect the state’s residents.

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has visited Plateau State to show solidarity with victims of the recent attacks in the Bokkos Local Government Area.

Obi, who traveled from Abuja to Jos, spent time with the survivors of the attacks and their families, offering both emotional support and financial assistance. His visit took place amid another wave of violence in the region, underlining the ongoing security crisis.

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Obi expressed his sorrow over the deadly attacks, which he described as “senseless killings” that are unacceptable in a nation that is not officially at war. In a post shared via his official X handle, Obi stated: “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 continued, expressing deep sadness over the scale of the violence, “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.”

Obi’s visit took him directly to the Bokkos area, where he met with displaced persons, including children who were affected by the attacks.

The former governor lamented the destruction and called for immediate action to protect the lives of innocent citizens. He added, “Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live, should have to live in fear or uncertainty.”

In addition to offering his condolences, Obi made a significant donation of ₦7.5 million to aid the displaced individuals in the area.

The donation will be directed towards helping the displaced children, ensuring that education continues for those affected by the attacks, and addressing the immediate needs of the community.

Obi emphasized that the donation was part of a broader initiative led by his supporters, noting, “Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community. We continued the support yesterday with ₦7.5 million to help in providing facilities for displaced children and support their ongoing needs.”

Channelstv reports that Obi’s visit comes at a time of heightened concern over security in the Plateau region, as renewed attacks have left many dead and several others injured.

In recent weeks, the state has been plagued by resource-driven conflicts between farmers and herders, further intensifying the already volatile situation.

Just hours before Obi’s visit, at least 40 people were reported dead following another attack in the Zike community, part of the Bassa Local Government Area. Local reports indicated that the attackers targeted residents fleeing for safety, resulting in a significant loss of life.

Obi calls for strong leadership

The wave of attacks in Plateau is not an isolated incident. Over the past several months, the state has experienced multiple massacres. In December 2023, around 200 people were killed in a series of attacks during Christmas celebrations, and in May 2024, another 40 people were murdered in Wase.

The violence has prompted many to label it as an ongoing crisis, with local leaders, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, calling it a case of “genocide sponsored by terrorists.”

In his statements, Governor Mutfwang expressed his frustration and called for answers regarding the identity of those behind the attacks. “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 organizers 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.

The Federal Government has pledged to take decisive action against the perpetrators, with recent promises to “flush out” the assailants.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also condemned the violence, calling it a “barbaric” act and a direct threat to Nigeria’s unity. CAN President Daniel Okoh warned that such acts of senseless bloodshed could endanger the country’s national cohesion. “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.