Benue Ambush: Obi demands urgent action on insecurity

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent ambush and killing of security operatives in Benue State, warning that Nigeria cannot continue losing its uniformed officers without addressing the underlying issues fueling insecurity.

Obi’s remarks come in response to the deadly attack at Agu Centre in the Mbatyula/Mberev Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where at least 16 security personnel were feared killed. The victims, part of a joint security team, were ambushed by suspected armed herdsmen and local militia. Several operatives are still missing, while others sustained serious injuries. Their patrol trucks were reportedly set ablaze, and their motorcycles looted.

In a message shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the continued loss of lives among Nigeria’s security forces.

“Over the past weeks, the country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. The causality ranges from our gallant soldiers, to members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to our brave policemen and even community vigilante members. Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation,” he wrote.

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Obi urged Nigerian leaders to see the repeated killings as a critical signal to overhaul the country’s security architecture and provide better support to those on the front lines.

“These recurring killings should serve as a wake-up call to us leaders to better equip and motivate our security operatives. Security must now become the foundation of governance,” he stressed.

He also called on the federal and state governments to ensure that the families of fallen operatives receive proper compensation and sustained support.

“Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice for those who laid down their lives so the rest of us can live,” Obi added.

In a heartfelt tribute to the victims, Obi honoured their courage and sacrifice: “To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort.”

The Benue ambush is the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting security operatives across Nigeria, raising fresh concerns about the nation’s internal security challenges and the safety of those deployed to protect lives and property.

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