On April 4, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, issued a statement condemning the recent massacre in Bokkos, Plateau State.
The attack, which left entire families slaughtered, has sparked outrage across the country. Children and pregnant women were among those killed in the latest senseless assault.
Bokkos Communities in Mourning
The affected communities—Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai—are now in deep mourning, having been forced to bury their loved ones in mass graves. Obi’s statement highlights the ongoing crisis in the region, calling it “an unending gory story” that has left many Nigerians in despair.
The Urgent Need for Action
Obi expressed his frustration over the continuation of these heinous acts, questioning how much longer the nation must endure such violence. He asked, “How long will these killings, kidnappings, maimings, and criminalities continue in a nation that is not at war?” He emphasized the need for decisive action from the General Bola Tinubu government to address the situation before more innocent lives are lost.
Normalization of Mass Killings is Unacceptable
The Labour Party candidate also warned that mass killings and burials were becoming normalized in the country. He called for a return to a society where every Nigerian life is regarded as sacred. From Edo State to Plateau, Obi stressed that communities across the nation are now living in fear, unable to safely go about their daily lives due to the threat of violence.
Government Must Protect Nigerian Lives
Obi reiterated that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. He called on the authorities and security agencies to take concrete actions to stop the killings, ensure the arrest of perpetrators, and pursue justice. His heart goes out to the people of Bokkos and others suffering in similar circumstances across the country.
A New Nigeria Is Possible
In closing, Obi expressed his belief that a “New Nigeria” is possible if the government takes the necessary steps to protect the lives and well-being of its citizens. He urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to bring an end to the ongoing violence and terror.