Benue Killings: Omokri Condemns Massacre, Blasts Peter Obi for Politicising Tragedy

Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has condemned the recent massacre in Benue State, describing it as a national tragedy that must not be politicised.

In a statement released on Monday, Omokri extended his condolences to the people and government of Benue State and proposed practical steps to alleviate the suffering of victims.

“My heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Benue State over the recent gruesome killings of Nigerian citizens by suspected herders and bandits,” Omokri said. “No community deserves to go through such harrowing experiences.”

He expressed solidarity with the victims and survivors, calling for swift justice and urging the Federal and State Governments to work together to end what he described as “bloodletting in the state.”

Omokri also proposed that the Benue State Government open a public donation account to enable Nigerians to contribute to the support and rehabilitation of displaced residents. “I will donate once that is done,” he pledged.

However, the statement took a more combative tone as Omokri criticised former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for what he described as “politicising the tragedy.”

“It is wrong for persons like Peter Obi to politicise these matters and claim that things have never been this bad in Nigeria. We must not compare evil with evil,” Omokri said.

Citing a series of high-profile terrorist attacks under the Buhari administration, Omokri listed the 2022 Kuje Prison break, the ambush of the Presidential Guards, the 2021 Nigerian Defence Academy attack, and the 2018 massacre of soldiers in Metele, among others. He argued that these incidents were equally as tragic, if not worse, and accused Obi of exploiting the current insecurity for political capital.

“He [Obi] was banned from visiting Benue by the Governor, a fellow Catholic, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, because he politicised the situation,” Omokri claimed, adding that Obi himself has a questionable human rights record, referencing the Ezu River incident during his time as Anambra State Governor.

Omokri further stressed that herder-farmer conflicts in Benue predate the current administration and called for the reopening of colonial-era grazing routes as a long-term solution to recurring violence.

“This is a generational crisis. Unless grazing routes are restored to allow peaceful coexistence, such clashes will persist,” he said.

The statement concluded with a broader call for leadership focused on unity and solutions rather than division and opportunism. “Right now, Nigeria needs leaders who offer solutions, not those who only introduce pollutions,” Omokri remarked.

The Benue massacre, which saw scores of civilians killed and displaced, has reignited national outrage over Nigeria’s security challenges and the politicisation of tragedy, with commentators now split over the role of political actors in shaping public discourse.