Peter Obi Condemns President Tinubu Over Renewed Bandit Violence in Jos, Kaduna, and Benue
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a sharp rebuke of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of failing to uphold his commitments to protect Nigerian citizens from escalating bandit violence. In a strongly worded statement released on April 6, 2026, Obi highlighted a series of deadly attacks that occurred shortly after the President's assurances, underscoring a perceived breakdown in security leadership.
Broken Promises and Escalating Violence
Obi pointed to a specific incident where, on April 2, 2026, President Tinubu visited Jos, Plateau State, and publicly vowed that the tragic attacks witnessed there would not recur. "This experience will not repeat itself," the President assured grieving residents at the Jos Plateau State airport. However, Obi noted that less than 24 hours later, Nyamgo Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area suffered another brutal assault, resulting in the deaths of several innocent individuals.
The former candidate emphasized that this pattern of violence has extended beyond Plateau State. In the week following the President's promise, Nasarawa State experienced severe grief as gunmen killed at least 11 people in the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, forcing many to flee and leaving homes destroyed. Simultaneously, Zamfara State faced one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent times, with 150 Nigerians abducted from Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities.
Widespread Attacks Across Multiple States
Obi detailed further incidents that have plunged the nation into mourning:
- In Borno State, terrorists stormed Chibok on the same day as the Zamfara kidnappings, killing four officers and burning down homes.
- On Easter Sunday, Benue State was rocked by violence again, with over 17 Nigerians massacred, communities left in ruins, and many individuals still missing.
- In Kaduna State, terrorists attacked churches in the Ariko community of Kachia Local Government Area, killing several worshippers and abducting others.
Obi argued that these attackers are not ghostly figures but are emboldened by governmental inaction. "How can a President make such a categorical promise and, mere hours later, the nation continues to count the dead across multiple states?" he questioned, stressing that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property, a duty he claims is currently failing.
A Call for Accountability and Action
The statement concluded with a dire assessment of the situation, describing it as a national emergency where Nigeria is bleeding and the security landscape is increasingly helpless. Obi reiterated his belief that "A New Nigeria is Possible," signing off with his initials, PO, as a call for renewed leadership and responsibility. He lamented that Nigerians are being slaughtered in their homes and communities, places where they should feel safest, and questioned the overall safety of citizens if even the President did not enter these affected areas.
