'Barbarism Must End': Peter Obi Laments Fresh Killings in Imo of 30 Persons, Urges Decisive Government Action

 

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as another horrific and senseless act of violence following the reported murder of approximately 30 individuals in Imo State by unidentified gunmen.

Through a statement shared via his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, May 10, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the killings, describing the act as “barbaric” and a glaring reminder of Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape. The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized that such atrocities must no longer be tolerated and called for immediate and concrete actions from the government.

A nation, he stressed, cannot claim progress or civility when human life is continuously devalued and terror becomes an everyday occurrence. The recent bloodshed in Imo, he added, stands as a dark testament to how deeply insecurity has penetrated the country’s social fabric.

"This marks yet another level of embarrassing barbarism in a society already battling an unprecedented level of insecurity," Obi stated. He noted that violent killings have become a recurring motif in the daily lives of Nigerians, gradually desensitizing the nation to horror and bloodshed.

The Labour Party stalwart did not mince words as he called for all Nigerians to unite in condemning the atrocity. According to Obi, the normalization of violence and lawlessness signals a troubling shift away from the values of humanity, justice, and the rule of law. “We cannot expect to build a responsible society of humans when we continually desecrate human life without provocation,” he remarked.

Security failures, he continued, have become a consistent narrative under the current dispensation, with numerous communities suffering devastating attacks from non-state actors. Obi argued that each new incident chips away at the public’s trust in governance, and further exposes the failure of leadership to protect its people.

Despite being in opposition, Obi has remained vocal on issues affecting national cohesion, frequently advocating for security reforms, institutional accountability, and economic development. His reaction to the Imo killings aligns with his consistent call for the protection of life and property, which he sees as a fundamental duty of any government.

“These recurring attacks, violence and killing are a poignant reminder of our collective failure as a nation,” he said. He warned that Nigeria is slowly becoming a society desensitized to bloodshed, where fear, not freedom, defines the everyday experience of the average citizen.

Addressing the government directly, Obi implored the relevant authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the massacre, ensure those responsible are brought to justice, and take proactive steps to prevent further tragedies. For him, anything less would be tantamount to complicity through inaction.

“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,” he warned, drawing a connection between peace, stability, and national progress.

He concluded his message by extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying that the souls of the victims find peace and their loved ones find the strength to endure this tragedy.

As the dust settles over yet another mass killing, the call from one of Nigeria’s leading political voices rings loud: The time for indifference is over; the protection of human life must return to the forefront of national priorities.