Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring national security, promoting unity and rebuilding Nigeria if elected president in the January 2027 general election.
Obi pledged to make the protection of lives and property a priority of his administration, promising to pursue those responsible for killings and other violent crimes, particularly kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements terrorising communities across the country.
The NDC presidential candidate made the pledge during a town hall meeting with party supporters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he outlined his vision for a more secure, united and economically prosperous Nigeria.
He said his administration would adopt a determined approach to tackling insecurity, stressing that no nation could achieve meaningful development without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens.
Obi also pledged to prioritise affordable and accessible education, create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths and ensure that access to education and economic opportunities was not determined by an individual’s social status, ethnic background or financial circumstances.
He further promised to tackle corruption and promote transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, maintaining that Nigeria’s enormous resources should translate into improved living conditions for its citizens.
The former Anambra State governor appealed to the people of Benue State to support his presidential ambition, expressing confidence that his leadership would provide an opportunity to address the country’s developmental challenges and restore public confidence in governance.
As part of his engagements in the state, Obi paid a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of the Tiv Kingdom, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Iorzua Ayatse, at his palace in Gboko, where he received royal blessings.
While in Gboko, Obi also commissioned several development projects executed by the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya, and received spiritual blessings from the cleric.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the NDC presidential candidate to interact with religious leaders and acknowledge the Catholic Church’s contributions to community development, particularly in social welfare and infrastructure.
The visit was also significant as Obi eventually visited Benue State after previous attempts to visit the state were disrupted by controversies and security-related concerns surrounding his planned engagements.
He subsequently visited Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where he sympathised with residents over the June 2025 massacre, in which hundreds of people were reportedly killed by suspected armed assailants.
The visit provided an opportunity for the presidential candidate to identify with survivors, displaced residents and families who lost loved ones during the attack, which attracted widespread national and international condemnation.
The Yelewata massacre remains one of the most disturbing episodes of violence in Benue State, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting farming communities and the humanitarian consequences of recurring attacks.
Obi’s visit to the affected community underscored the importance of addressing insecurity, protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that victims of violent attacks receive adequate support and assistance.
