Obi calls Imo attack ’embarrassing barbarism’, asks FG to end trend of violent killings

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, has asked the federal government to prosecute the perpetrators of the mayhem in Imo state.

Gunmen had on Thursday killed at least 15 people, barricaded the Okwelle axis of Okigwe road in Imo, and set several vehicles ablaze, attacking motorists and commuters.

The state police command subsequently blamed suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) for the attack.

Reacting in a post on his X page, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections described the attacks as “barbaric and senseless”.

Obi said the attack was another grim reminder of the security crisis in the country, adding that the level of brutality cannot be ignored or normalised.

“Again, we have been confronted with another senseless killing in the country, this time in Imo state, where about 30 people were murdered by gunmen,” the ex-governor said.

“This marks yet another level of embarrassing barbarism in a society already battling an unprecedented level of insecurity. Violent killings, horror and fear have continued to define our daily lives in our nation.

“This inhuman act must be condemned by all. We cannot expect to build a responsible society of humans when we continually desecrate human life without provocation. Such a level of violence and criminality must not continue to have a place in our nation.

“These recurring attacks, violence and killing are a poignant reminder of our collective failure as a nation, gradually losing sense of the sanctity of life and becoming accustomed to terror.

“The time is now to break this ugly trend of senseless killings in our nation. The government must, at this point, rise up to its duties of protection of lives and property.

“Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear for their lives. Such a level of insecurity is not only inimical to human development but also hinders economic growth and development.

“I urge the government to investigate, arrest and bring the perpetrators of this mayhem to book.”

Obi also expressed “sincere condolences” to the families who lost loved ones in the incident.