Amid another wave of violence in Plateau State, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited victims and families affected by the recent brutal attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA). The visit came shortly before fresh violence erupted in Zike community, Bassa LGA, where at least 40 lives were lost.
In a statement posted via his official X handle on Monday, Obi expressed deep sorrow over what he called the “senseless killings” plaguing the region, emphasizing that such violence is unacceptable in a nation 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,” Obi wrote.
During the visit, the former Anambra State governor journeyed from the state capital to Bokkos, where he met with displaced persons, including children and survivors of the attacks. He described the scale of destruction as heartbreaking and urged immediate action to safeguard innocent lives.
“What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable,” Obi stated. “Nigerians should not be killed or driven from their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian should live in fear or uncertainty.”
In a gesture of support, Obi announced a personal donation of ₦7.5 million aimed at addressing urgent needs within the affected communities. The funds, he noted, would help provide facilities for displaced children, ensure continuity of education, and address other pressing concerns. He also acknowledged the earlier contribution of the Obidient Movement, which had installed a borehole to provide clean water for the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp and the broader community.
“My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and the entire community during this challenging time,” he said, adding that compassion and committed leadership are now more essential than ever.
Meanwhile, the violence in Plateau State has continued to escalate. On the same day as Obi’s visit, attackers struck the Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa LGA. According to local sources, gunmen opened fire on fleeing residents, killing 36 people on the spot, while four others later succumbed to injuries. Several others remain hospitalized.
This latest tragedy follows an earlier attack in Bokkos that claimed over 50 lives less than two weeks ago. The state has increasingly become a flashpoint for violent clashes, often attributed to resource-based conflicts between farmers and herders.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the persistent bloodshed, suggesting that the violence may be part of a deliberate and organized campaign. “In all honesty, I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor stated during an interview on Channels Television.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric” and a serious threat to national unity. CAN President Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued on Sunday, mourned the victims in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs and called on the Federal Government to take swift and effective action to end the crisis.
“This level of violence is a grave affront to human dignity and poses a severe risk to our national cohesion,” Okoh warned.
In response, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the crisis, promising to “flush out” the perpetrators and restore peace to the troubled region.
