THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, along with his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, have expressed strong disapproval of the assault in Abia State which resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
A group of gunmen attacked a military unit at Obikabia Junction in Aba on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and six civilians. They also set fire to the unit and a patrol van parked although some soldiers managed to escape the attack.
The day after the incident, both Atiku and Obi joined other notable Nigerians in condemning the attack through separate statements on their respective X platforms.
Obi described the assault as a despicable act and emphasized that it highlights the increasing insecurity affecting the nation.
He extended his condolences to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, the families of the deceased soldiers, and the entire state population.
He urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify and punish those responsible for the crime.
Atiku, on the other hand, called on the Federal Government to ensure a clear distinction between criminal elements and legitimate agitators.
He also proposed a political resolution to the situation involving Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in order to ease tensions in the region.
Kanu, who is facing a 15-count terrorism charge, has been in custody since his return to Nigeria in June 2021. Legal proceedings have been ongoing, with various decisions made by the courts regarding his case.
