Ihiala, Anambra – Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Rev Fr Tobias Okonkwo, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, Anambra State.
Fr Okonkwo was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday night, an act Obi described as “tragic and unfortunate.”
In a statement, Obi condemned the growing trend of violence across Nigeria, lamenting the incessant loss of lives to insecurity. “The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking,” he said, highlighting how the deaths caused by insecurity continue to affect families and communities.
Obi called for urgent action to address the escalating menace, asking, “How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation?”
As someone closely associated with the College of Nursing Sciences, Obi acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the institution’s community.
He offered condolences to Fr Okonkwo’s family, the college proprietor, management, staff, and students while praying for the repose of the clergyman’s soul.
“May God heal our bleeding nation,” Obi concluded, calling for renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace to Nigeria.
The incident adds to the growing insecurity concerns in Anambra State and other parts of the country, sparking fresh calls for improved measures to ensure public safety.
