Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the ongoing violence and killings in Benue, Kogi, and Taraba States, describing the situation as "heartbreaking" and a clear indication of leadership failure in Nigeria.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed that has devastated communities across the three states in recent months.

"What we are witnessing is not merely violence. It is a failure of leadership and a gaping wound in the soul of our nation," Obi stated, highlighting the severity of the crisis that has claimed numerous lives, including children, women, and religious leaders.

The former presidential candidate emphasized that the primary responsibility of the national government is to protect lives and property. He criticized the weak and muted response to the crisis, warning against normalizing mass killings, displacement, and the breakdown of law and order.

Call for Urgent Action

Obi called for immediate and decisive action rather than rhetoric, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue on this path of violence and insecurity.

"I mourn with the good people of Taraba, Benue, and Kogi. I share their grief, and I feel their pain. But I also raise my voice because silence in the face of such horror is complicity," he said.

The political leader expressed solidarity with the affected communities and called on Nigerian leaders to value human life and defend it with everything at their disposal.

"Nigeria cannot continue like this. This is not the Nigeria we deserve. We must end this bloodshed. We must reclaim our humanity. A new Nigeria is possible," Obi concluded.

The statement comes amid reports of escalating violence in the three states, with communities suffering from attacks that have resulted in significant loss of life and property destruction.