Our Reporter, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government and all stakeholders to take extraordinary measures to address the menace of violent killings going on in Benue State and Zamfara State.
Obi reacted to the reports of the killing of no fewer than 43 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in a late-night attack on LGEA Primary School, Mgban, Nyiev Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected armed herdsmen; and the reported killings that took place across two other local governments in the state.
According to reports, more than 134 people have been gruesomely murdered by herdsmen in Benue State in the past five days in the three local governments of Otukpo, Apa and Guma; while in Zamfara State, bandits kidnapped dozens of people in a recent attack.
The LP presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State said he was saddened by the violent attacks.
“I am deeply saddened by reports of the visceral violence and gruesome killing of the internally displaced people (IDPs) in Benue state and other parts of Benue, and the kidnapping of dozens of people in Wanzamai village in Zamfara.
“Such bloodletting is unconscionable, and stands condemned. Government and all stakeholders must take extraordinary measures to address this menace that is impacting negatively on our existence as a nation.
“My deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those affected. May their souls rest in peace. For those kidnapped, my earnest prayer is for their safety and quick rescue,” Obi said via a Twitter post on Sunday.
Also taking to Twitter, Obi had congratulated the Nigerian-born mixed martial arts sensation, Israel Adesanya, for reclaiming his UFC Middleweight title Saturday night, praising his persistence.
Israel Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira in the second round to regain the 185-pound championship belt, which he lost in the first fight.
“By decisively knocking out his opponent and regaining his UFC Middleweight Title last night, Israel Adesanya @stylebender proved that persistence is the path to reclamation. Congratulations valiant Champion!,” Obi posted.
