The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor lamented the killing of at least 16 people in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, as well as the murder of nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Obi called for a more proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy to curb the persistent violence, insisting that the government must move beyond reacting to attacks after they occur.

The weekend attacks also claimed two additional lives in Akpachi village, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, bringing the death toll in Benue to at least 18.

In Plateau State, community sources said the victims, all members of one family, were killed on Saturday night when gunmen invaded the Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

Reacting to the incidents, Obi said the latest killings underscored the country’s prolonged security crisis.

“The reported murders are a painful reminder that the relentless cycle of bloodshed in parts of our country has persisted for far too long,” he said.

“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,” he said.

Obi urged authorities to replace routine condemnations with decisive action by strengthening the country’s security framework.

“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,” he added.

He also sympathised with the bereaved families and the governments of Benue and Plateau states, praying for comfort for those grieving and speedy recovery for those injured.

“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,” Obi said.

Protocol

Distinguished members of the press, respected fathers and mothers of faith, leaders of the creative industry, our esteemed partners and sponsors, gospel ministers, fellow creatives, ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you to this important gathering.

Today marks another significant milestone in the history of the Joint Gospel Arts and Music Awards (JOGAMA). It is with profound gratitude to God that we officially announce the commencement of entries for the 16th edition of the JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS, and unveil the official theme for this year’s awards.

For sixteen years, JOGAMA has remained committed to celebrating excellence in gospel music and the creative arts across the Middle belt region and Northern Nigeria as a whole. What began as a vision to recognize and encourage gospel creatives has grown into a movement that has discovered, celebrated, and inspired hundreds of artists, producers, filmmakers, dancers, comedians and other creative professionals whose gifts continue to impact lives for Christ.

JOGAMA has always stood for more than an award ceremony. We exist to build the gospel creative industry, preserve its values, promote excellence, encourage innovation, and ensure that those who faithfully use their talents for the Kingdom receive the honour they deserve.

This year, however, our gathering carries a deeper significance.

Across many parts of Northern Nigeria, Christian communities have endured enormous hardship. Many families have experienced violence, displacement, the destruction of churches and communities, and the painful loss of loved ones. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, one thing has remained constant: the Gospel has not been silenced.

Our churches continue to worship. Our choirs continue to sing. Our pastors continue to preach. Our filmmakers continue to tell stories of redemption. Our spoken word artists continue to proclaim hope. Our dancers continue to minister. Our creative community continues to lift the name of Jesus.

It is from this reality that the theme for the 2026 JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS is born.

“A Sound That Cannot Be Silenced: 

Rooted in Faith, Rising in Influence.”

This is not merely a slogan. It is a declaration. It is a declaration that no amount of persecution can silence the message of Jesus Christ. It is a declaration that while circumstances may seek to discourage us, our faith remains firmly rooted in Christ. It is a declaration that the Gospel will continue to rise above fear, above hatred, above violence, and above every force that seeks to suppress it.

As gospel creatives, our assignment is greater than producing good music or beautiful performances. We are custodians of a message that transforms lives. Every song, every film, every dance, every design, every spoken word piece, and every creative expression should point people to Christ and strengthen His Church.

This year’s theme also challenges us to rise in influence, not for personal fame, but for Kingdom impact. The world needs authentic Christian voices now more than ever, voices that speak truth with love, excellence with humility, and creativity with purpose.

Today, I am pleased to officially declare entries open for the 16th JOGAMA–GREEN AWARDS.

Entry submissions will commence today Monday, 13^thJuly 2026, and close on Sunday 9^th August 2026.

We invite eligible gospel creatives from across Northern Nigeria to submit their works for consideration. We encourage every qualified artiste, producer, filmmaker, designer, dancer, comedian, spoken word minister, and creative professional to participate in what promises to be another memorable edition of JOGAMA.