• Obi laments relentless killing of security operatives
Arrangements are in top gear for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to storm Abuja in protest.
This was disclosed by the public relations officer of the IDPs in Benue, Joseph Joo.
Joo told The Guardian that the aim of the displaced citizens is to relocate and stay put in Abuja with President Bola Tinubu since the Federal Government had allegedly proved incapable of ending insecurity.
He said, “We plan to be peaceful in our approach, and our demands are simple. He should end the Benue killings for us to return to our ancestral homes, or give us jobs and shelter in Abuja.”
The IDPs vowed to remain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until there is confirmation that the killers had exited the Benue valley.
“We choose death over life. If the security agencies try to prevent us from protesting. After all, we are dead men and women walking.
“We are using trucks that can accommodate all the IDPs at various camps. Note that the aged and the elderly IDPs are leading the protests,” a statement read.
But former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of security personnel in the Northcentral state, saying Nigeria cannot continue burying men in uniform without addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Obi’s statement, yesterday, followed the deadly ambush at Agu Centre, Mbatyula/Mberev Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Council, where no fewer than 16 security operatives were feared dead after suspected armed herdsmen and local militia gangs attacked a joint team.
Several personnel remain missing, while survivors sustained injuries. Trucks conveying the operatives were also burnt, and motorcycles were carted away by the assailants.
Reacting in a post via his X handle, Obi lamented the frequency of such tragedies.
He urged political leaders to see the recurring attacks as a call to strengthen the country’s security system.
The ex-governor also called for fair compensation and welfare support for the families of the slain security operatives.