Otukpo Killings: Tinubu must end Nigeria’s descent into ‘Republic of Bloodshed’ — Agada

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The 2027 presidential hopeful of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Arc. Peter Agada, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reform Nigeria’s security architecture and restore the country to a state of law and order.

Agada, who is also the Global Convener of The Movement Nigeria (TMN), made the call in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to the July 12, 2026 killings in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

He accused the Federal Government of responding to insecurity mainly through condolences and promises, rather than decisive action against armed groups.

Agada urged President Tinubu to transform the nation’s security system into what he described as a “digital-age security machine” capable of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes across the country.

He said TMN’s independent assessment indicated that the casualty figure from the Otukpo attack was higher than the 18 deaths officially reported by the government, claiming that more than 50 people were killed in the incident.

According to him, several residents were displaced following the attack, with families losing loved ones in the violence.

Agada said TMN took time to verify the figures through government sources, eyewitness accounts, first responders and local partners before making its findings public.

He also referenced previous research by the organisation, which he said documented thousands of deaths from terrorism, kidnapping, robbery, rape, police brutality and other forms of violence between 2016 and 2021.

The YPP chieftain argued that a significant proportion of violent deaths in Nigeria occur in the North Central and Middle Belt regions, stressing that urgent measures were needed to address recurring attacks.

He called on federal and state authorities to demonstrate the political will required to end the cycle of violence and ensure that those responsible for the Otukpo killings face justice.

“Nigeria has enough resources to fund security. What is lacking is political will, sincerity and transparency,” Agada said.

He commiserated with the families of victims in Akpachi, Otukpo-Nobi, Benue State and other communities affected by recurring attacks, urging the government to protect citizens and restore confidence in the nation’s security system.