Ex-LP Presidential Aspirant Demands Decisive Action from Tinubu Following Fresh Benue Massacres

Former Labour Party presidential aspirant Peter Agada has strongly condemned the recent surge in violent attacks across Nigeria, calling on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the nation’s security apparatus and halt ongoing bloodshed. Agada’s demand follows a recent attack in the Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities within the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The assault resulted in the tragic deaths of approximately 16 residents, triggering renewed widespread concern over regional insecurity. While local communities have accused armed herders of orchestrating the violence, the state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has denied involvement, urging security forces to conduct a thorough investigation.

In a statement released in Abuja, Agada criticized the federal government’s current response strategy, characterizing it as heavily reliant on empty promises and routine condolence visits. He asserted that Nigeria possesses the financial resources necessary to secure its borders, noting that adequate funding could be recovered by blocking systemic corruption within government agencies. He insisted that the administration must reinvent itself into a digital-age security machine with cutting-edge capabilities to bring culprits to book and eradicate roving militia murderers, killer herdsmen, and ransom bandits. Agada explained that he deliberately delayed his public response to verify casualty figures through local eyewitnesses, first responders, and his civil organization, The Movement Nigeria.

The former aspirant highlighted that the recurring violence points to a broader structural failure to protect citizens despite massive annual security budgets. Citing research conducted by his organization, Agada noted that over 101,000 Nigerians lost their lives to violent crimes between 2016 and 2021, suggesting that the country routinely experiences daily casualty rates comparable to nations actively at war. Extending his condolences to the grieving families and survivors in Benue and Plateau states, Agada urged all tiers of government to ensure that the perpetrators of the Otukpo massacre are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted to prevent future atrocities.