By TINA TIMOTHY

Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has bewailed the recent gruesome killings of General UH Udokwere (rtd) in his Abuja home and Joel Waksi, a fearless journalist, days after being declared missing.

The former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi on Monday night, June 24, 2024, lamented that these murders taking place in Abuja, the seat of power indicates "a complete failure of our security apparatus" and consequently, the inability of the present government to protect its citizens.

"The gruesome murders of General UH Udokwere (rtd) in his Abuja home and Joel Waksi, a fearless journalist, are a serious reminder of the failed state of our nation's security apparatus. That these heinous crimes occurred in the seat of power, Abuja, against an Army General and in a journalist's case, after being declared missing for five days, is a damning indictment of this government's inability to protect citizens. The fact that General Udokwere was killed in his own home, and Joel just was murdered days after being declared missing, suggests a brazen disregard for human life and a complete failure of our security apparatus," Obi wrote.

While demanding for a thorough investigation into the murders and those responsible to face the law, he further urged all to rise up and demand for "justice, accountability, and security" and join hands in building a Nigeria where "citizens can live without fear of violence, where journalists can report the truth without fear of persecution, and where the government is accountable to the people."

"I demand a comprehensive investigation into these murders and the immediate prosecution of those responsible.

"We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to demand justice, accountability, and security for all Nigerians. The killing of a retired general and a journalist in the capital city is a wake-up call to all of us.

"We must rise and demand a better future for our country. We must reject this culture of violence and impunity.

"We must build a Nigeria where citizens can live without fear of violence, where journalists can report the truth without fear of persecution, and where the government is accountable to the people.

"Rest in power, General Udokwere and Joel Waksi. Your deaths will not go unresolved nor be in vain," he added.