The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of traders, including a pregnant woman, by a state-backed security outfit in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Obi in a statement on his X handle on Wednesday, he described the incident as “deeply troubling” and demanded a full probe, stressing that the activities of such groups must be subjected to scrutiny, reorganisation, and strict accountability.
According to him, the killings pointed out the urgent need for oversight in community security structures, which in many cases have turned into sources of fear rather than protection for citizens.
He wrote: “At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges, with everyone looking for ways to mitigate them, even supporting state policing, it is very worrisome that already state-backed outfits that were created to help with the situation and improve security are instead worsening the plight of the already terrorised citizens, and sometimes acting even worse than the criminals they were meant to confront.
“Rather than offering protection, they have become a new source of fear and oppression. The tragic shooting and killing of traders, especially the killing of a pregnant woman in Onitsha, is deeply troubling and highlights the urgent need for thorough scrutiny, proper reorganisation, and strict accountability of these outfits.
“Last time, it was a different group, Udo Ga-Achi Security Outfit, that brutally assaulted a youth corper. This time, another outfit is shooting and killing innocent citizens. The security situation in Anambra appears to be deteriorating further. The activities of this group must be thoroughly investigated, and all those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
The LP flag bearer insisted that security outfits must not be allowed to operate outside the law.
He said such groups must be properly vetted, trained, and closely monitored to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse of power.
He expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.
