Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of Northern travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Obi, in a statement on Friday, described the incident as “deeply saddening,” adding that such acts of violence have become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
He stated, “Acts of violence like these are abhorrent and had no place in our society yesterday, just as they should have no place in any decent society today. Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or regional background, has the right to move freely and safely within our nation.”
Reports indicated that the victims were accused of being kidnappers and were lynched by a mob. Reacting to this, Obi warned against resorting to extrajudicial killings, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and further fuel insecurity.
“While addressing security concerns and combating criminal activities is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence. I commend the government for condemning this incident and initiating an investigation,” he said.
He further urged the authorities to ensure justice for all victims, including Edo indigenes who had also lost their lives in recent attacks.
“This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and increased public awareness to prevent such occurrences in the future. Communities must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is pursued through legal channels rather than through unlawful actions,” Obi added.
The former governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called for collective efforts to foster peace, unity, and respect for human life in Nigeria.
