The Unending Killings in Benue and Plateau- Worrisome.
The tragic news of yet another round of killings in Benue and Plateau States is both painful and deeply disturbing. The reported murder of at least sixteen innocent Nigerians in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, alongside the horrific killing of nine members of the same family, a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, once again reminds us that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long.
For years, families in Benue, Plateau and other communities across Nigeria have lived under the constant shadow of fear, violence and displacement. Mothers have buried their children, children have become orphans overnight, farmers have abandoned their lands, and entire communities have been left devastated. We cannot continue to accept this tragic cycle as though it were normal. It is not.
The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and every life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose dreams have been violently cut short.
The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack. Nigerians deserve a security architecture that is proactive rather than reactive, driven by intelligence, rapid response and accountability. Those responsible for these atrocities must be identified, arrested and prosecuted. The culture of impunity must end.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States. I pray that God grants comfort to all who mourn, healing to the injured, and strength to every community struggling to rebuild after these repeated tragedies.
This is not about politics; it is about humanity. We must summon the collective will to secure our nation and restore hope to our people. No country can develop when its citizens live in fear, and no society can prosper when innocent blood continues to flow unchecked.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development
On Friday, July 10, 2026, I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on _The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa.
Africa is a continent of immense riches. Indeed, it is the richest continent in the world, not only because of its vast mineral resources but also because of its greatest asset, its people. It is the second largest continent by landmass, after Asia, covering more than 30 million square kilometres. It is also the second most populous continent, with over 1.5 billion people. Significantly, more than one billion of these are young people in their productive years, making Africa home to the largest youthful workforce in the world.
When this demographic advantage is combined with nearly one billion hectares of arable land, about 60% of which remains uncultivated, it becomes clear that Africa possesses everything required not only to feed itself but also to become the food capital of the world.
Regrettably, despite this enormous potential, Africa remains home to the largest concentration of the world’s poorest people. Of the approximately 800 million people living in extreme poverty globally, nearly 60% are in Africa. That is about 480 million people, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among the countries most affected. In other words, nearly one in every three Africans lives in extreme poverty. Likewise, in multidimensional poverty, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden.
The question, therefore, is simple. With all these advantages, why has Africa not been able to lift its people out of poverty?
It means there is a missing link. That missing link is Competent Leadership with Capacity, Compassion, Character, and Commitment to good governance.
What Africa needs is leadership that will rise to the challenge and drive the continent in the right direction. This means competent leadership with character, capacity, compassion and commitment to begin turning the continent around. When we get leadership right, everything else begins to change. We start realising our true potential.
So, what is the role of the Diaspora African in this journey?
You have an enormous role to play.
Because you live in societies where institutions largely work, where democracy is strengthened by accountability and where systems function more effectively, you have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build Africa. It is time to become stronger advocates for good governance. Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong. That is what some of us have continued to do.
The contribution of the African diaspora extends far beyond advocacy. History teaches us that many of the world’s great economic transformations were driven, in part, by their diaspora communities.
Japan offers one example. Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the country embraced modernisation and benefited immensely from Japanese scholars, professionals and citizens who studied and worked abroad, especially in Germany, before returning home to drive the technological transformation for which Japan is admired today.
China presents another remarkable example. It was under Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, beginning in 1978, that China embraced education, innovation and global engagement. These reforms created opportunities for the Chinese diaspora to contribute significantly to the country’s extraordinary economic transformation. In 1980, China had more people living in poverty than Africa. Today, China has reduced extreme poverty dramatically, while Africa continues to struggle with the challenge.
The Disheartening Humiliation of Prof. Aghaji
Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation.
Just this morning, my attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a distinguished 74-year-old medical expert. This man was not invited, nor was any direct contact made with him. Instead, they invaded his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, in the dead of the night, at 2 a.m., to arrest him in front of his visiting daughter.
As an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon, esteemed academic, and elder statesman, Professor Aghaji warrants a considerable degree of respect, both because of his advanced age and his substantial contributions to our nation. More importantly, however, every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law. After the humiliation of breaking into his house and whisking him away from Enugu to Lagos for three days, all he got was, “Sorry, we made a mistake.”
The public outcry concerning the state’s handling of Professor Aghaji’s case highlights a wider conflict between the actions of state security agencies and the imperative to safeguard professional integrity and individual dignity. Such conduct directed at a 74-year-old might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure.
This incident brings to mind the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike. Fortunately, due to prompt intervention, a formal public apology was issued to the affected doctor.
The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals - and indeed any Nigerian - like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors. Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties. A superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed POssible. -PO
Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Good news. On July 23, 2026, I will be unveiling the Southeast Human Right Bureau, an innovative project to counter the growing violations of human rights in the region and the spate of reckless executive lawlessness in the region.
This week, I have observed with deep concern two notable media appearances: one by my brother, Mr. Peter Obi, and the other by the family of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In his interview with Mr. Chude Jideonwo, Mr. Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses. Even more troubling was the Federal Government’s response, which resorted to personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.
Let me state clearly: like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns.
Democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint.
A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.
On the other hand, it was distressing to watch the wives of Malam Nasir El-Rufai publicly express the family’s anguish over his prolonged detention.
Regardless of political affiliation, Malam El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. The continued delay in granting him bail through what many perceive as stringent and unreasonable conditions is deeply concerning. As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded.
I therefore join well-meaning Nigerians in urging the Federal Government to handle these matters with transparency, accountability, and justice. These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores.
For our democracy to truly thrive, every citizen; young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion must receive equal and equitable treatment under the law from the government that exists to protect us all. - RMK
@BBCWorld He demands to know how from who exactly ?
They created it...funded it.
They are now throwing Adeyemi under the bus to save Femi and his likes
It’s 53days since Oyo children were taken.
It’s 53days since Oyo children were taken.
It’s 53days since Oyo children were taken.
It’s 53days since Oyo children were taken.
It’s 53days since Oyo children were taken.
Pls keep speaking up 💔
Pls share for the world to see this.
💔
“The way they’re going now, I might not even be al!ve, they’re going after my life. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating it.” -
Our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, CON speaks on the threat to his life by the APC led government.
I watched with disappointment the recent interview granted by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to Channels Television on Monday.
After a prolonged absence from public discourse, one would have expected that time away might have sharpened Senator Sheriff’s judgment. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case.
In the interview, the former governor claimed that Peter Obi cannot command sizeable support in Northern Nigeria. It is curious that he has appointed himself spokesperson for the Northern masses. For the record, in his first outing on the presidential ballot, Mr. Obi secured approximately 2.8 million votes in the region — a remarkable achievement that cannot be dismissed lightly.
Given the current national hardships, the widespread consensus on the failure of the APC administration, and the addition of a strong Northern figure to the ticket who previously garnered 1.45 million votes in the region, the OK ticket remains a formidable force in Northern politics.
Even more surprising was Senator Sheriff’s assertion that the people of Kano would not vote for Mr. Obi. Let me state clearly: the good people of Kano are neither bigoted nor xenophobic. They have consistently demonstrated strong trust in the Kwankwasiyya movement and will support any credible ticket presented under its banner.
I respectfully advise Senator Sheriff that, in future national television appearances, he would do better to speak to the serious insecurity and humanitarian challenges facing his home state, rather than making divisive and poorly considered remarks.
The OK ticket currently represents the best opportunity for Nigerians to reset the country and place it on a path of competence, unity, and progress. - RMK
A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.
I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future.
Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen's rights, regardless of their background.
We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process.
Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage. -PO