Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for a deadly attack in Imo State that claimed at least 15 lives, describing the incident as “embarrassing barbarism.”
The attack occurred on Thursday along the Okwelle axis of Okigwe Road, where gunmen barricaded the route, killed commuters, set vehicles ablaze, and unleashed terror on motorists. In a statement posted on his X page, Obi condemned the violence as “barbaric and senseless,” highlighting it as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.
“This senseless killing in Imo, where about 30 people were murdered, marks another level of embarrassing barbarism in a society battling unprecedented insecurity,” Obi wrote. “Violent killings, horror, and fear have continued to define our daily lives.”
Obi stressed that such brutality must not be normalized, warning that a society that tolerates such acts cannot thrive. “We cannot build a responsible society when we desecrate human life without provocation. This level of violence and criminality must not continue,” he said.
He described the recurring attacks as a “poignant reminder of the country’s collective failure,” noting that Nigeria is gradually losing its regard for the sanctity of life. Obi urged the government to prioritize the protection of lives and property, stating, “Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear. Such insecurity hinders human and economic development.”
Calling for swift action, Obi pressed authorities to investigate the attack, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure justice. “I urge the government to bring the perpetrators of this mayhem to book,” he concluded.
