The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a strong condemnation following the killing of five soldiers in Abia State.
In a statement released via his X Platform, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and called for urgent action in response to the escalating violence in the nation.
He emphasized that mere rhetoric and empty promises are insufficient in addressing the prevailing brutality and bloodshed.
Mourning the slain soldiers, Obi demanded a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime, stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
His words: “I am appalled and saddened by the attack on our brave soldiers in Abia State yesterday, resulting in the death of five soldiers.
“This dastardly act remains condemnable as it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that has continued to plague our nation under our collective watch. My heart goes out in solidarity and sincere condolences to my dear brother, Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, and the good people of the state.
“More directly, my condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we owe it to them to demand accountability and justice.
“Our failure as a nation to protect our citizens and security personnel is a clear dereliction of duty and sign of deficiency of the Nigerian state. The continued brutality and bloodshed in our nation must be met with swift and decisive action, not empty words and hollow promises.
“I condemn this atrocity in strong terms, and demand an immediate and thorough investigation into this crime in order to identify and punish the culprits. We must not stand idly by while our nation is torn apart by violence and fear.
“We will continue to push for a better future, where our citizens and security forces are protected and valued”.
The killing of the soldiers in Abia State underscores the ongoing challenges of insecurity facing Nigeria, prompting calls for urgent and effective measures to address the root causes of violence and restore peace and stability to the nation.