Peter Obi Visits Plateau Attack Victims, Donates ₦7.5m

A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has visited victims and families of those affected by the recent spate of killings in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

In a statement shared via his official X handle on Monday, the 63-year-old expressed sorrow over what he termed “senseless killings,” describing the violence as unacceptable in a country 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 Attacks

The LP flagbearer’s visit came amid renewed violence in Plateau, with reports indicating that no fewer than 40 persons were killed in the early hours of Monday in Zike community, Kimakpa, within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area.

A local leader, Wakili Tongwe, told Channels Television that the attackers stormed the village and opened fire on residents who were fleeing for safety. Though security personnel and local vigilantes reportedly repelled the attackers, the damage had already been done—36 people were confirmed dead at the scene, while four others died later from gunshot wounds.

Several residents remain hospitalised with injuries sustained during the incident. Security agencies have yet to issue an official response.

This fresh wave of violence follows an earlier attack less than two weeks ago, in which over 50 people were killed in Bokkos LGA. The persistent violence has turned Plateau into a hotspot for brutal clashes, with experts attributing the crisis largely to resource-driven conflict between farmers and herders.

In December 2023, around 200 people were massacred in a series of attacks during Christmas celebrations. And in May 2024, another 40 were killed in Wase, further highlighting the state’s security crisis.

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has decried the killings, suggesting a more sinister motive 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 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”.